England Police Force Merger: 39 Forces Could Shrink to Nine 2026

A major review of policing in England has recommended cutting the number of police forces from 39 to as few as nine super forces, marking the most radical overhaul in seven decades. The review, led by former Met police commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe, was completed in September and sent to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.

The proposal aims to streamline policing and improve efficiency, but it has sparked debate among chief constables and raised questions about local accountability. With the government expected to publish the review before Christmas and a white paper due in the new year, here's what you need to know.

What the Review Proposes

According to multiple sources, the Hogan-Howe review suggests establishing nine regional forces in England, plus a single force for Wales. These would sit above more than 150 local policing units responsible for most neighbourhood crime-fighting activities.

The axing of most of the 43 forces in England and Wales is seen as essential by the review and some police chiefs. They argue that larger forces can better tackle complex crimes, share resources, and reduce duplication.

Why the Merger Is Being Considered

Supporters of the plan believe that consolidating forces will lead to more efficient use of resources and better coordination on major incidents. The current structure, with 43 separate forces, can lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies.

Some chiefs, including current Met commissioner Mark Rowley, are concerned that the government may delay the most radical change to policing in seven decades. They argue that urgent action is needed to modernise policing.

Doubts and Concerns

Doubts are growing among some chief constables about the radical plans. Critics worry that larger forces could become remote from the communities they serve and that local accountability may suffer.

The delay in publication is understood to be because of Andy Burnham's devolution agenda and a desire to "rewire" the British state and reform local government, including adding more mayors. Some of the new forces will be covered by and accountable to mayors, while others will have mayors covering only part of their area. The background to this story is set out in Met Police Investigate Reform UK Overseas Donations. A related thread runs through Met Police Investigate Reform UK Donations from Company. Earlier coverage in Met Police Reform Failure Exposed by Simon Levy Case shows how the argument developed.

Key Takeaways

• Radical restructure: England's 39 police forces could be reduced to as few as nine super forces, plus one for Wales.
• Local units: Over 150 local policing units would handle neighbourhood crime-fighting.
• Political delay: Publication is delayed due to devolution plans and mayoral reform.
• Mixed support: Some chiefs back the plan, while others have doubts about accountability.
• Timeline: Review expected before Christmas, white paper in the new year.

How England's Police Forces Compare

The table below summarises the current and proposed structures.

What Happens Next

The government will publish the review before Christmas, followed by a white paper in the new year. The white paper will set out detailed proposals and likely trigger further consultation. A closer look at the same subject appears in Met Police Investigate Reform UK Payments After Guardian. Anyone following the wider picture can start with NSW Mental Health Reform: Paramedics Replace Police in Some. The same theme surfaces in Measuring and Marking: Essential DIY Techniques for Precision, which takes a different angle.

Parliamentary approval will be required for any structural changes, and the devolution agenda may influence the final shape of the reforms. With policing facing evolving challenges, the outcome of this review will shape the future of law enforcement in England and Wales. Context on how this played out before sits in Essential Measuring and Marking Tools for DIY Projects. A companion piece, Marking Gauge and Compass for Precise Layouts: DIY Guide, approaches the same subject from another angle.