SOUTH YORKSHIRE’S MAYOR TO SEEK APPROVAL TO BECOME POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER

Published 26 May 2023 at 6:00pm

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard is to seek formal approval for the formal transfer of Police and Crime Commissioner next year.

The proposal to begin the process of the negotiation with Government around the formal transfer is going to be presented to the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board on June 5.

After this, negotiations with Government will begin, and a decision will be taken in the autumn.

If agreed the role of Police and Crime Commissioner for South Yorkshire would be abolished in May 2024 when the current term comes to an end. This would also mean a Mayoral election would be held in May 2024.

South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I am pleased we are now entering into the next stage of conversations with Government about the integration of the functions of the Police and Crime Commissioner into the office of the Mayor; a move that will allow us to better align the work of the Police, criminal justice system, Local Government and agencies across the region, to the benefit of the whole of South Yorkshire.”

The move comes after the Government’s Levelling Up White Paper, outlined a commitment to enable Mayors to take on public safety functions including Police and Crime Commissioners and Fire and Rescue Authorities.

Dr Alan Billings, South Yorkshire PCC, said: “My term of office comes to an end in May 2024. I support this proposal for the Mayor to take on the PCC functions. It means that voters will be choosing one elected person with responsibility for policing and devolved functions in South Yorkshire.

“I have been working closely with the Mayor and his office and this will continue until the end of my term to ensure that the work of the Police and Crime Commissioner can continue as usual, alongside the transfer of staff, resources and functions. This should ensure that policing in South Yorkshire maintains strong democratic leadership, governance and accountability, while preserving the operational independence of the Chief Constable.”