The government has said policing functions will transfer to elected mayors and new governance structures from 2028. In areas not covered by mayors, this role will be taken on by elected council leaders.
The government has said that for Wales 'the unique circumstances of devolved local government arrangements' will be taken into consideration.
PCCs (police and crime commissioners) have constructively engaged with farming communities across the country since their introduction, working with the NFU and wider rural stakeholders to address issues such as machinery theft, livestock worrying and hare coursing.
“That transition must deliver a stronger national focus on rural crime, and we will continue to press for a national cross-departmental taskforce.”
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos
The government has said it will ensure there is continuity of the support services for victims and witnesses that are currently provided by PCCs.
New governance structure for policing
The NFU is urging ministers to ensure rural crime is not forgotten, with the announcement offering an opportunity for the government to create a new governance structure for policing that includes a national approach to rural crime.
This could be done, for example through a cross-departmental rural crime task force, something the NFU has long called for to address persistent failures in tackling rural crime.
NFU Vice-president Rachel Hallos said she was grateful for the PCC's work listening to and supporting rural communities: “Crimes like fly-tipping, livestock worrying and machinery theft are not just costly but emotionally distressing. Farms are more than just businesses, they are homes, and everyone deserves to feel safe in their own community.
“As policing functions now transfer to elected mayors, we look forward to working with the Mayoral Strategic Authorities and future Policing and Crime Boards from 2028 onwards.
“That transition must deliver a stronger national focus on rural crime, and we will continue to press for a national cross-departmental taskforce to make sure rural communities are properly protected.”
The decision to abolish the PCCs is part of a 'major series of reforms' the government said, adding that its upcoming 'Police Reform White Paper' will set out further powers to improve standards and restore local neighbourhood policing, including a new National Centre of Policing.
"We await the upcoming White Paper with interest,” Rachel added.
Rural theft cost the UK approximately £44.1 million in 2024, and a concerted effort is needed to ensure rural Britain is not left as the poor relation in the government’s commitment to tackle crime.
