Oral Answers to Questions Debate

Full Debate: Read Full Debate
Department: Home Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Alberto Costa Excerpts
Monday 22nd February 2016

(8 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
William Wragg Portrait William Wragg (Hazel Grove) (Con)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

4. What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of police and crime commissioners in reducing the level of crime.

Alberto Costa Portrait Alberto Costa (South Leicestershire) (Con)
- Hansard - -

13. What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of police and crime commissioners in reducing the level of crime.

Baroness May of Maidenhead Portrait The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mrs Theresa May)
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

Elected police and crime commissioners are providing accountable visible leadership and making a real difference to policing locally. Overall, PCCs have presided over a reduction in crime of more than a quarter since their introduction, according to the independent Crime Survey for England and Wales.

Baroness May of Maidenhead Portrait Mrs May
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

A good scrutiny process is available through police and crime panels to look at potential conflicts of interest. That process is enshrined in law and is undertaken. It is important that when any area looks at the potential for amalgamating roles, such as the amalgamation in the Greater Manchester area of the role of police and crime commissioner with, it is predicted, that of mayor, it is important that there is full discussion and consideration of all aspects to ensure that, whatever role the individual or individuals play, they can continue to do so properly without conflict of interest, and ensure that the best service is delivered.

Alberto Costa Portrait Alberto Costa
- Hansard - -

My local Leicestershire police force recently received a positive inspection report from Her Majesty’s inspectorate of constabulary. Will my right hon. Friend join me in praising the work of the Leicestershire chief constable, Simon Cole, and the Conservative police and crime commissioner, Sir Clive Loader, in their efforts to fight crime, specifically the chief constable’s national work on the Prevent programme?

Baroness May of Maidenhead Portrait Mrs May
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I am happy to extend congratulations, as I am sure everyone in the House is, on the excellent work of the police in Leicestershire, under both the chief constable and the police and crime commissioner, Sir Clive Loader, who has done an excellent job but is sadly stepping down at the forthcoming election. I would like to thank him for the work he has done in his first term as police and crime commissioner.