IN reply to Robert Stevens (Letters, May 14) I wanted to explain the role of the Police and Crime Panel whose job it is to hold the Police and Crime Commissioner to account.

The panel is made up of 11 councillors from across York and North Yorkshire and two ‘co-opted independent members’. These independent roles are currently open for recruitment to residents.

Further information and an application form are available to download from: www.nypartnerships.org.uk/pcprecruitment and the closing date is Friday, June 10.

The panel meets with the commissioner bi-monthly to scrutinise performance alongside trends in crime reporting. The panel has a stake in confirming who she appoints as the Chief Constable and the levels of council tax precept set.

Our role is also to look into all complaints against the PCC. Although we have limited powers in terms of investigation and sanctions, we publish all our conclusions at www.nypartnerships.org.uk/pcp. You can also find agendas and minutes of our meeting here.

These are public meetings and anybody can attend, ask questions of the panel, and bring matters to our attention. I am always happy to discuss the panel and its work to help ensure a first class police service in York and North Yorkshire.

Cllr Ashley Mason (Liberal Democrat), Vice-Chair of the Police and Crime Panel, Fetter Lane, York