South Yorkshire mayor to take on police and crime commissioner role

The Police and Crime Commissioner role is set to be absorbed

The next Mayor of South Yorkshire will assume the powers of the region's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) after the roles were merged.

Legislation was passed by the home secretary to bring the roles together with an election set to happen in May.

The PCC sets the police budget and appoints the county's chief constable.

"It will allow the mayor to make co-ordinated decisions for our communities," a South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority spokesperson said.

A public consultation was launched by the Home Office looking at bringing the roles together.

The process of transferring PCC powers began in June 2023 following a government white paper.

It was decided to merge the roles from May when the current term of office comes to an end.

Dr Alan Billings, who had held the PCC post since 2014, has previously said he supported the proposal.

What is the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner?

• Issuing a police and crime plan for South Yorkshire

• Setting the police budget

• Appointing the Chief Constable for South Yorkshire Police

• Addressing complaints about policing services

• Providing and commissioning services for victims and vulnerable people

• Working in partnership to ensure that the local criminal justice system is efficient and effective

"The transfer of these functions to the mayoral role presents the opportunity to align police and crime priorities," a combined authority spokesperson said.

"It will allow the mayor to make co-ordinated decisions for our communities; working with the business community, voluntary sector, Fire and Rescue, Safer Roads Partnership and other partners to deliver policing priorities."