Warwickshire's commissioner has criticised the "deeply disappointing" and "outrageous" decision to scrap police and crime commissioners across the country.

The Home Office announced the move today saying it will save the tax payer £100 million a year and remove "unnecessary bureaucracy". 

The government says low public turnout to vote in PCC's and the lack of awareness of the role has led to the decision.

But Warwickshire's PCC Phillip Seccombe has hit back at the news.

He said: ""The announcement to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners is deeply disappointing and can only make policing less accountable and more remote from the communities it serves.

"The government offers very little detail on what comes next or why this would represent a step forward. 

"I think it is outrageous that a decision of this magnitude has been imposed with no consultation or public engagement- as PCCs we were given just 90 minutes' notice before it became public.

"The justification offered - that PCCs have a small electoral mandate - ignores the reality that turnout for PCC elections is now broadly comparable to local authority and mayoral elections. 

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"To base such a significant change on outdated arguments is extremely disappointing."

New plans will see the role absorbed by regional mayors where possible.

Elsewhere it will be taken on by elected council leaders.

Changes will begin at the end of the 2028 electoral cycle.

 Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: "The introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners by the last government was a failed experiment.  

"I will introduce new reforms so police are accountable to their local mayoralties or local councils. The savings will fund more neighbourhood police on the beat across the country, fighting crime and protecting our communities.  

"I would like to recognise the efforts of all current and former Police and Crime Commissioners, and thank them. These individuals served their communities and will continue to do so until they have completed their current terms."  

Today's announcement comes ahead of the autumn budget.

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