English Police Forces Bill

A Bill to reduce the number of police forces in England to ten; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Parliament last updated

2 May 2012

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

English Police Forces Bill would reduce the number of police forces in England to ten by merging or abolishing existing forces, along with related organisational changes. It aims to streamline policing by creating a clearer command structure and potential efficiency gains. The bill started in the House of Commons and is currently at the 2nd reading.

Key Points

Aims to cut the number of police forces in England to ten.
Provides powers for merging or abolishing forces and related organisational changes.
Focuses on simplifying command and cooperation between forces; specifics are to be defined by the legislation.
Applies to England only (not Scotland or Wales).

Progress

Currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons. The information available does not indicate further stages or passage through the Lords.

Who is affected?

Police forces in EnglandPolice officers and civilian police staffResidents and communities in England affected by policing structuresLocal authorities and policing bodies within EnglandHM Government departments responsible for policing (e.g., Home Office)

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

31 Jan 2012

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - English Police Forces

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.