West Midlands Mayor given backing to take on PCC powers

Andy Street wrote to the Home Secretary, asking for the transfer of powers

The West Midlands Mayor has said his request to take on the powers of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) have been approved by the Home Secretary.

Andy Street has argued it is necessary because the West Midlands force is currently in special measures and has seen crime rise.

He said it would not happen until after the next mayoral elections in May.

The current PCC has said such a move would be "profoundly undemocratic".

Labour's Simon Foster, who was elected to the role in May 2021, said residents "should be able to decide for themselves" about the issue.

He has described it as a "hostile takeover".

But Mr Street has pointed to the mayors in places like London and Greater Manchester, who are also responsible for the police in their areas.

He said that crime across the region had doubled in the last eight years, adding that it was in "the worst position in the country for violent crime".