PEOPLE in Derbyshire are being asked for their views on Government plans to scrap police authorities and replace them with elected commissioners.

Derbyshire's Police Authority chairman, city councillor Philip Hickson, is concerned about the plans.

As reported in the Derby Telegraph on Monday, he says the proposals could cost Derbyshire police more than £750,000 in election fees and would offer the public "nothing".

Derbyshire Police Authority has already written to the Home Office and the Association of Police Authorities.

It is now asking the public whether they would vote in such an election. Responses will help the authority prepare its final response to the Home Office.

Mr Hickson said: "The turnout for local elections is notoriously low, so how many people would actually vote for a police and crime commissioner?

"We do not believe that there is enough interest in this idea to warrant the expense and upheaval it will inevitably cause."

People can visit the authority's website and give their views until Monday.

Mr Hickson said: "One has to question the viability of such a proposition and indeed whether or not there is an appetite or even a need for change, particularly at the current time.

"Over the last seven years, crime in Derbyshire has fallen by 35,000 incidents – that's 35,000 fewer victims.

"In addition, vehicle crime has fallen by 60 per cent and burglary has reduced by 55 per cent. This proves that the current model of governance is both effective and good value for money, so we question whether now, when funding is the tightest it has ever been and the Olympics is on the horizon, is the time to look for alternatives."

Derbyshire's police authority is made up of nine councillors and eight independent members. The chairman is elected from the 17 members. It is their job to hold the chief constable to account and to appoint chief officers.

The questionnaire is at www.derbyshire.police.uk/policeauthority.