Government announcement on police pay award

In our desire to keep our communities safe, it is essential that we can attract and retain the best people into policing through competitive pay.

Policing faces increasing demands, growing complexity and our workforce continues to face threats to their own safety. The personal impact on them is great, and this must be recognised with pay commensurate to the incredibly challenging nature of their role. 

The pay award announced today by Government, of 4.2% is in line with the recommendation of the pay review body. We recognise this is above inflation, but it does make inroads into the pay erosion felt by our officers.

National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Pay and Conditions, Assistant Chief Officer Philip Wells, said:

“We are pleased that the pay review body recognised the evidence that was presented by chief constables and the pay award that has been announced today is what we believe our officers deserve and reflects the nature of the work they are required to undertake to keep our streets safe.

“Today, the Home Secretary also announced an extra £120 million towards funding the pay award. With more than 85% of police spend being on pay costs, it is vitally important that additional costs for pay are fully funded if we are to maintain services and be able to continue to invest in areas such as neighbourhood policing and technology.”