South Yorkshire PCC-mayor merger plan consultation begins

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has previously backed the proposed transfer of power

Plans to transfer the powers of South Yorkshire's police and crime commissioner (PCC) to the region's mayor are to be put to the public.

If approved the mayor would be responsible for setting the police budget, issuing a police and crime plan and appointing the chief constable.

This is already the case in London, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.

A consultation on the proposed merger, which is supported by current PCC Alan Billings, runs until 31 January.

If approved the next scheduled mayoral election in South Yorkshire would be brought forward from May 2026 to 2 May 2024.

Current mayor Oliver Coppard has previously said the move would "better align" the work of the police and local government.

Speaking earlier in the year Dr Billings, who has held the post since 2014, said: "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."

A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "The government will carefully consider the responses received before deciding whether to introduce legislation to enact the change."

A similar consultation is also taking place in the West Midlands.