Posted on Tuesday 18th November 2025
Staffordshire County Council has called for increased transparency for the role of the Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC), in the first meeting held after the government announced it was abolishing it.
County Councillor Anthony Screen, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Resilience, questioned the PFCC Ben Adams on transparency and accountability, to ensure local people are getting value for money from their police and fire services.
The Government announced last Thursday (13 November) that it would scrap the role of Police and Crime Commissioners by the end of the commissioner’s current term (2028), and instead move the role to either an elected mayor or council leaders.
Councillor Screen said:
“As an ex-police officer with 27 years service in Staffordshire Police myself, I believe the police should answer directly to the people they serve. At an annual cost of around £7.5 million in Staffordshire alone, residents rightfully expect clear accountability and tangible improvements.
“This is why I have called on the OPFCC to ensure his remaining time in office is spent increasing transparency, especially on spending, so the public are clear on where and how this money is being spent, and how these resources protect frontline services and staff welfare.
“I also want to ensure that public involvement is enhanced, and feel one of the key ways to do this is committing to a clear engagement plan that gives residents clarity and confidence in the decisions being made, and that these decisions are informed and accountable.”
A recording of the Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel meeting can be viewed here.