Today, we are publishing election statements from the candidates in the upcoming Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner elections.Here, Nick Webb makes his case for election Having an elected Police Commissioner puts control of this vital public service in the hands of the residents.

The Commissioner will replace an unelected police authority with a transparent and accountable individual who is directly answerable to voters. It is not about politicising the police; it is about ensuring that grassroots community views are heard at the decision-making level of Gwent Police.

I was born and brought up in Cardiff and live in Newport. Having worked for HM Revenue & Customs and helped a small business grow despite the recession I will bring a fresh outlook to the Police Commissioner role.

My priorities:

Every resident of Gwent aware of a recognisable and approachable police officer who is regularly seen in their area;

A well-trained force which can spot potential repeat offenders early on, and stop them in their tracks;

More police on the beat, with fewer officers held back from doing their job by bureaucracy;

A panel to scrutinise care for victims of crime;

A police force which is sensitive to people’s values and diversity, without allowing this to blind them from distinguishing between what is right and what is wrong;

Releasing as much crime and financial data as possible, so that everyone has the power to audit the Police and Crime Commissioner’s work;

A better career path for Police Community Support Officers;

Credible management of a tight budget, which balances the community’s needs with responsibility to spend within our means; A commitment to keep the police precept down.

I will work for every law abiding citizen. I will be tough on crime and responsible with tax-payers money. I believe we can build on the recent progress made by Gwent Police to provide an even better service which allows people to follow their aspirations without fear of crime.