Government confirms police pay award

The Government has today (15 July) announced a 3.5% pay award for officers of all ranks from September 2026 following recommendations from the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) and the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB).

Commenting on the announcement, NPCC Chair Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, said:

“Police officers deserve pay that reflects the important and challenging work they do, as well as the growing demands placed on them. We highlighted the need for an above-inflation pay award in light of wider cost of living pressures and the unique challenges policing faces.

“Whilst we are disappointed that the full recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body were not accepted, we recognise that the pay award is above inflation and welcome the Government’s additional funding, which goes some way to addressing the acute financial pressure forces are facing.

“Years of underinvestment in policing has left forces with tough choices to make between maintaining services and providing the pay that the frontline deserves. This illustrates the pressing need for wider police reforms.”