Tyne and Wear taxpayers will not foot bill for police election

Taxpayers in Tyne and Wear will not be forced to pick up the bill to elect a new Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).

Earlier this month, Dame Vera Baird, who currently has responsibility for overseeing Northumbria Police, announced she was stepping down from the role.

The move prompted some concerns that her decision could see the region made to cover the costs of appointing her successor.

But following a question answered in Parliament on Monday, the Government has confirmed it will fund the process.

Justice Minister Edward Argar said: “The role of the Victims’ Commissioner is greatly valued across the justice system, and the Government welcomes the recent appointment of Dame Vera Baird QC to the role.

“Dame Vera’s appointment was made in line with the Governance Code for Public Appointments which prescribes that all public appointments should be governed by the principle of appointment on merit.

“An assessment of the costs of a by-election was not factored into the appointment process.

“A Police and Crime Commissioner by-election will be run by a statutorily independent Returning Officer and will be funded out of the Consolidated Fund.”

The ‘consolidated fund’ is money the Government receives from general taxation and which is used to fund public services.

The question was raised last week by Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran at the request of the Sunderland branch of the party.