Proposed Government reforms to reduce the number of police forces across the country could lead to ‘watered down’ scrutiny, a councillor has warned. The white paper said: “Mayors and local government leaders are better placed to promote joined-up working to cut crime. Matthew Barber, the PCC for the Thames Valley, told a Royal Borough overview and scrutiny panel meeting last night that a potential TVP merger would be ‘far too large’ in his opinion. “I don’t think the regional forces themselves create that problem, I think that’s about the Home Secretary’s control directly. “But I’d hope that the Government see a force like Thames Valley is leading the way.

Source: Express January 27, 2026 17:29 UTC