The Home Office have made an announcement that Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) will be abolished. The decision has been made to help fund frontline officers, reduce crime and protect town centres.
The PCC roles will be absorbed by regional mayors wherever possible, meaning measures to cut crime will be considered as part of wider public services such as education and healthcare.
In areas not covered by a mayor, the role will be taken on by elected council leaders.
The unique circumstances of devolved local government arrangements in Wales will be taken into consideration. The announcement also said that the government will ensure there is continuity of the support services for victims and witnesses that are currently provided by PCCs.
The transition to the new model will happen at the end of the next electoral cycle in 2028.
The Home Office said the move is part of reforms to raise national standards within the police, strengthen performance management and end the postcode lottery in crime outcome. The upcoming Police Reform White Paper will set out further powers to improve standards, while restoring local neighbourhood policing.
John Hayward-Cripps, Chief Executive of Neighbourhood Watch said:
"This change which will impact the funding and support structures currently in place for many Neighbourhood Watch Associations, and we want to offer our support to them wherever we can.
However, this development also presents new opportunities to strengthen collaboration with mayors and council leaders, and we are keen to start building those relationships. As a crime reduction and community charity, our members are always keen to see more investment in effective neighbourhood and frontline policing."