Local government’s Manifesto published yesterday calls for policing and youth justice policy to be devolved to the National Assembly for Wales and for a ‘Blue Ribbon Commission’ to be set up to consider the implications of devolving the entire criminal justice system to Wales.
The document – ‘WLGA Manifesto for National Assembly Elections 2011-2016 – Responding to the Challenge’ sets out local government’s key policy agenda for the Assembly’s forthcoming term and seeks a partnership of equals between devolved and local government as a means of protecting Wales’ communities from cuts in public finances and to deliver better services for Welsh citizens.
Steve Thomas CBE, WLGA Chief Executive said:
“Local authorities play a vital role in tackling crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour and in making our communities feel safe. Over the past few years positive working relationships have been established between local councils and police forces which have been successful in driving down crime figures. The introduction of neighbourhood policing and neighbourhood management also means that more opportunity exists for much closer working which lends to not only criminal activity being tackled but the underlying causes of crime.”
“Over the past few years, local government’s relationship with the Home Office has been characterised by endless initiatives yet unfortunately few positive outcomes. Firstly, there was the failed re-organisation of Welsh police forces, Secondly, the Home Office dropped its proposal for a non-emergency service despite obtaining unanimous support from Wales’ 22 local authorities, four police forces and police authorities. Thirdly, despite widespread opposition from all tiers of elected government within Wales, we are currently being faced with a proposal to establish Police and Crime Commissioners and yet again the views of democratically elected Councillors are being dismissed and our concerns ignored.”
The WLGA and local authorities across Wales have consistently opposed the introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners and has shared its views with all Welsh MPs, Assembly Members and the Policing Minister.
Commenting on amendments to the Police Responsibility and Social Responsibility Bill which propose giving the Secretary of State for Wales powers to establish Police and Crime Panels in Wales, Steve Thomas continued:
“Last month the National Assembly for Wales were clear in their views on the idea of Police and Crime Commissioners in Wales and in line with the views of Welsh local government, a resounding ‘No’ was given. The UK Government has now brought forward new proposals on how Police and Crime Panels could be created in Wales and the responsibility for this will now lie with the Secretary of State for Wales, providing a level of power not seen before. It is also unclear as to whether there may be a conflict with devolved powers in relation to local government and we will be urgently seeking clarity on this issue.”
Welsh council leaders who oppose Police and Crime Commissioners firmly believe that the current system of Police Authorities is more democratic and actually works. With the mix of elected councillors and independently nominated members, who directly hold the Police Force to account, the WLGA would wish to retain Police Authorities in Wales rather than having an elected Commissioner with a weak and ineffectual system for holding a Commissioner to account and with additional cost.
The WLGA does not believe the new proposals address any of its concerns and overall Westminster Government’s current proposal represents a solution in search of a problem.
