North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Andy Dunbobbin has stressed that any future devolution of policing and criminal justice powers to Wales must ensure North Wales is not disadvantaged and that the region retains strong local accountability in any future model.

Responding to ongoing discussions around the future governance of policing and criminal justice in Wales, Mr Dunbobbin said he supported the principle of devolution, provided it delivers better outcomes for communities, and protects the interests of North Wales.

The PCC said bringing policing closer together with devolved public services such as health, social care and local government could strengthen efforts to prevent crime and intervene earlier to support vulnerable people.

Mr Dunbobbin said: “My priority and guiding aim is that North Wales is not disadvantaged. I am, in principle, supportive of the devolution of policing and criminal justice to Wales. Joining up policing with devolved health, social care and local government services makes sense when it comes to early intervention and crime prevention.

“Prime Minister Andy Burnham has spoken about ‘deeper devolution’ for Wales, and it raises important questions about what else may be on the horizon. These discussions need to be informed by what delivers the best outcomes for our communities and I trust the Prime Minister shares that vision too.”

Mr Dunbobbin recently gave evidence to the Welsh Affairs Select Committee in Westminster, where he highlighted the importance of ensuring any future arrangements maintain effective governance and accountability. He said at the Committee hearing that: “The devil is always in the details. The main objective is understanding how any changes would affect us in Wales, particularly around governance arrangements and local accountability.”

Mr Dunbobbin has also affirmed that he does not want to see centralisation in Cardiff: “Devolving powers from London cannot result in resources and decision-making being drawn disproportionately towards South Wales. North Wales must receive its fair share of funding to support our frontline neighbourhood policing teams.”

The Commissioner also warned that any changes to governance structures must recognise the importance of cross-border partnerships in tackling serious and organised crime. He said: “I am extremely conscious of the need to protect our strong cross-border links. North Wales Police works closely with neighbouring Forces in Cheshire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Lancashire, and these operational partnerships are essential in tackling the vast majority of serious and organised crime groups.

“Criminality follows the economy. It moves east to west and west to east, and our ability to work seamlessly with police forces across the border is vital to keeping our communities safe.”

Mr Dunbobbin concluded: “My focus is making sure communities across North Wales continue to benefit from an efficient and effective police service. I will support any model that delivers that outcome, protects local accountability and ensures North Wales gets the resources and representation it deserves.”