Council leaders support the elimination of the PCC role.

Council leaders in the Humber region have backed the removal of the Police and Crime Commissioner role, signaling a major change in local governance. The move aims to improve oversight and coordination, with reforms set to take effect after current terms end in 2028.

Leaders of councils bordering the Humber have collectively expressed strong support for the termination of the Humberside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) role, marking a significant shift in regional governance. The reform is scheduled to take effect across England and Wales after the current PCC terms conclude in 2028.

The formal request, signed by the leading figures of Hull, East Riding, and North Lincolnshire councils, was submitted to the Home Secretary this month. Signatories Mike Ross, Anne Handley, Rob Waltham, and Philip Jackson acknowledged the announcement and highlighted its importance for regional administrative restructuring.

The dismissal of Jonathan Evison, who has been serving as Humbersides PCC, occurred unexpectedly and was reported to have come as a shock to him, representing a sudden and unanticipated end to his tenure. The councils statement, communicated through the Local Democracy Reporting Service, emphasized a unified commitment to enhancing local oversight and improving the quality of life for residents.

The councils outlined a strategy to manage the transition collaboratively. They proposed the formation of a coordinated council body, including representatives from all four local authorities, to guide the process. This body would liaise closely with Whitehall and relevant stakeholders to ensure the reorganization proceeds smoothly and efficiently. The councils stressed that the primary objective is to administer the change in a controlled and effective manner.

Details regarding the replacement of the PCC role are still being finalized. It is anticipated that in some areas with directly elected mayors, police oversight responsibilities may be transferred to these local offices. The division of the Humberside force, covering both the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority and the Greater Lincolnshire Combined Authority, introduces additional complexity to the transition process.

Residents will be able to follow updates through multiple media platforms, including BBC Sounds and Look North, which will provide ongoing coverage and opportunities for public input. The BBC News app for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices also offers access to the latest information on the restructuring of policing oversight in the Humber region.

The councils emphasized that the initiative represents a coordinated effort to refine governance structures and strengthen accountability within local policing. By working in unison, the authorities aim to ensure that the dismantling of the PCC role enhances oversight mechanisms while maintaining continuity and stability throughout the transition period.

This development reflects the broader national approach, as the elimination of PCC positions will be implemented consistently across England and Wales once the current commissioners terms conclude. Local leadership indicated a commitment to overseeing this transformation with precision, ensuring that all procedural and administrative measures are executed effectively.

Overall, the councils unified position demonstrates a dedication to collective action and strategic planning, underscoring the importance of coordinated governance in managing regional policing functions. As the changes progress, continued communication with residents and stakeholders will remain a key component of the implementation process.

Sources:

• Council leaders welcome abolition of PCC role