WIREDGOV

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill has received Royal Assent yesterday.

The Act moves the decision-making on policing away from government to communities giving them the power to elect Police and Crime Commissioners. 

Communities will now have a greater say in licensing decisions, with tougher powers for local authorities to restrict problem premises selling alcohol at night.

'The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act is a landmark in the government's agenda to decentralise control and return power to the people' said Policing Minister, Nick Herbert.

The Minister added:

'The election of Police and Crime Commissioners in England and Wales in November next year will give local people a strong voice in how their communities are policed and provide a powerful boost to the fight against crime.'

PCCs will make forces truly accountable to their communities by.

• representing all those who live and work in their area identifying their needs;
• set priorities that meet those needs by agreeing a strategic plan for the force;
• hold the Chief Constable to account
• set the force budget; and
• appoint - and, where necessary, remove - the Chief Constable.

Other measures in the Act include:

• Measures to give communities greater say over alcohol licensing to tackle problem premises;
• A stronger local influence on licensing allowing everyone to comment on decisions;
• Introducing a late-night levy allowing councils to charge for licences to pay for extra policing; and
• Immediate powers to temporarily ban the latest ‘legal highs’.

Read the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act.(Opens in a new window)