10 Nov 2023
This week, Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn, along with the other three Police and Crime Commissioners in Wales gave evidence to the Parliamentary Welsh Affairs Committee, chaired by Stephen Crabb MP.
This was to explore how each Police and Crime Commissioner executed their duties as an elected representative responsible for police governance, police oversight and the commissioning of criminal justice services for the force area, together with their engagement with the UK and Welsh Governments.
The committee asked questions about the role of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and the relationship between the PCC and Police Chiefs. All four Commissioners gave examples of working within the landscape of UK Government and Welsh Government and devolved and non-devolved areas – which at times can be challenging.
PCC Dafydd Llywelyn described the role as a leadership role, bridging communities with their respective police services and emphasised the importance of allowing victims and survivors to have a voice and access into the police and wider criminal justice system.
The discussion looked at collaboration in Wales and questions were asked about the possibility of a one Welsh Police Force. All four Commissioners agreed that there was scope to consider better collaboration, but that having a single police force would not benefit Wales. They emphasised the importance of working to streamline some functions.
The committee were interested to find out more about the way that PCCs and Chief Constables interact, and the importance of rooting out misconduct and the importance of training. PCC Dafydd Llywelyn was asked directly about his relationship and interactions with the Chief Constable. Specific questions were asked about how the Force managed recent protests and community tension at Llanelli’s Stradey Park Hotel due to the Home Office’s proposed plans to use the hotel to house asylum seekers.
PCC Llywelyn provided information to committee members on the financial position of Dyfed-Powys Police. The PCC has recently launched a public consultation on the 2024-25 Policing budget, and noted in his evidence the challenges of the growing reliance on taxpayers to fund policing in Wales.
PCC Dafydd Llywelyn said; “Police and Crime Commissioners are the bridge between communities and police services, being the voice of the public in holding policing to account. By attending UK Parliament this week to provide evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee we were able to explain how we take a strategic view of policing in Wales and work in collaboration with partner agencies to ensure that the needs of the public, victims and survivors are met on o local and national level.
The meeting at Westminster was broadcasted live. A recording of the meeting can watched through the following link: https://bit.ly/3spKJQp
ENDS
Further information
OPCC.Communication@dyfed-powys.police.uk
Picture Shows (L/R): Rt Hon Alun Michael, Dafydd Llywelyn, Stephen Crabb MP, Andy Dunbobbin and Eleri Thomas
