Emma Reynolds MP: Scrapping Police and Crime Commissioner role could put public at risk

Labour MP Emma Reynolds has urged the West Midlands Mayor to drop his scheme to scrap the position of PCC, which is due to happen by May 2020.

Mr Street wants the role, currently held by Labour's David Jamieson, to come under the remit of the mayoralty, in a move he says will save cash and provide greater oversight of West Midlands Police.

But Wolverhampton North East MP Ms Reynolds said the move would have the opposite effect – with the Mayor's office unable to "pay sufficient attention to policing and crime".

In a letter to Mr Street, she said: "I am primarily concerned about concentrating such a wide range of powers in the hands of one individual, as well as the upheaval and distraction this would cause at a time of alarming increases in levels of crime and cuts to policing.

"Presently, crime and policing fall under the responsibility of one elected figure. Under these proposals, the Mayor would take on policing powers and a Deputy would be appointed who would be the day-to-day lead on policing and crime issues.

"An appointed lead dilutes public accountability of the police, and risks the figure ultimately responsible for policing in the West Midlands – the Mayor – not being able to pay sufficient attention to policing and crime, with it potentially being subordinate to other strategic issues such as transport."

Ms Reynolds also referred to the region's knife crime epidemic, warning that the issue required "a laser-like focus".

She wrote: "As Mayor of our region, your priority should be on working with the existing policing arrangements to build public confidence and public trust in the police, not on taking over the police and reducing the oversight of such a critical public service to a part-time role."

Ms Reynolds hailed the announcement that WMP would be taking on 200 new officers, which she said was only possible due to an "efficiency drive" by the PCC.

She said there were "political concerns" with the Mayor's plans, noting that Mr Street had been unable to pass his proposed council tax precept through the West Midlands Combined Authority board.

"A Mayor failing to pass a proposed policing precept through the board would put at risk the safety of the public, and is not a risk worth taking – especially as the WMCA has already confirmed they believe these proposals have little scope for savings," she said.

Ms Reynolds added: "I urge you to drop these plans and maintain the current oversight arrangements."

The plans are already mired in controversy, with allegations of impartiality levelled at the Mayor following a post on social media encouraging people to support scrapping the PCC's role in a consultation.

Mr Street has been cleared of any wrongdoing.