A proposal that will merge the powers of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) with the Mayor of South Yorkshire will be debated by lawmakers later this month.
If the legislation is passed by Westminster, the office of the PCC will be abolished when the current term expires and its powers will be transferred to the Mayor of South Yorkshire after its next election, both which are scheduled for May.
In a press release, a spokesperson from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, said: “Following a public consultation conducted by the Home Office, the Home Secretary has advised that the legislation required to transfer the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner functions to South Yorkshire’s Mayor has been laid in Parliament.”
However, speaking to members of the public, it seems like most people either do not know about the transition or are against it.
Matthew, 18, a student, said: “I didn’t know about it before, but it sounds like a good idea.”
Keira, 19, a student, said: “Young people should be made more aware of the proposal because it could affect our future.”
One woman, who declined to give her name, said: “I have heard about it before, but I think the offices should be kept separate.”
The full timeline for the integration is expected to be released in mid-March.
In a statement from May 2023 that his office has confirmed still stands, South Yorkshire’s current PCC, Dr Alan Billings, said: “This should ensure that policing in South Yorkshire maintains strong democratic leadership, governance and accountability, while preserving the operational independence of the Chief Constable.”
The plan was announced early last year and follows a similar move by Greater Manchester’s combined authority in 2017. The functions of West Yorkshire’s PCC were transferred to the regional Mayor after its inauguration in 2021.
The powers of the PCC include appointing the Chief Constable of South Yorkshire Police, publishing a five-year plan that outlines police and crime priorities, setting the annual budget, and publishing a yearly report.
The first election was held in 2012.
The merger comes after a public consultation that was published in December 2023 which invited comments and views on the proposal from members of the public who live and/or work in the South Yorkshire area.
It follows a government White Paper in 2022 that committed to introducing more Metro Mayors and providing them with public safety functions, which includes the oversight of police and fire services.
