Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner welcomes national PCC review

Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Angus Macpherson has welcomed today's announcement of a national review of the Police and Crime Commissioner model.

The review aims to strengthen and expand the role of PCCs - raising their profile, giving the public better access to information about performance, sharing best practice and reviewing the relationship between PCCs and chief constables. 

Angus Macpherson, who was elected as PCC in 2012, said: "Today's announcement reflects the success of the Police and Crime Commissioner model in shaping policing to reflect the priorities of the communities we serve.  I wholeheartedly support the aims of this review which seeks to build on those achievements by sharpening accountability, scrutiny and transparency - placing the public firmly at the centre of decision making and identifying priorities.

"As Wiltshire Police and Crime Commissioner, it is my job to hold the Chief Constable to account, laying out clear objectives for Wiltshire Police to deliver on. We are delighted to have the backing of Home Secretary Priti Patel in continuing to deliver policing services in an efficient and effective way.

"Delivering an efficient service in a cost effective way is a key aspect of my role. With this in mind I hope that the review will take into account the findings of the recently published HMIC report on police to police collaboration 'The Hard Yards' which underscores the need for primary legislation to be adaptable to cope with regional policing."

The report cites the difficulties of governance issues in collaborations such as the South West Tri Force model (a collaboration between Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Avon and Somerset Forces) which ended in 2019.

The PCC review will take place in two parts. The first stage, to be conducted over the summer, will look at raising standards and improving accountability, so that all members of the public are getting a good service from their PCCs.

It will also consider ways to strengthen the accountability of fire and rescue services in line with the Government's long-term ambitions on fire governance reform.