Response to Police Pay Award
The police pay rise does not go far enough to repair the damage to police pay done over the past decade, according to Cheshire Police Federation.
Chair Jamie Thompson was speaking after the Government announced a £1,900 pay rise for all officers from 1 September.
The rise equates to an 8.8% increase for the lowest paid officers – and is equivalent to a 5% overall pay award when all ranks and pay scales are taken into account.
The Home Office said it had accepted the recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body in full, saying it reflects “the vital role police officers have on the frontline making our streets safer”.
Jamie said: “This pay award will be touted as the largest single increase for a long time. However, not all our members will see the same benefits and it does not go far enough to repair the damage of the past decade.
“This is a below-inflation pay award for all, and once again we see police pay decreasing in value when held up against the cost of living.
“Some may praise the Government in accepting the PRRB recommendations in full, however I still have little faith that this is the right mechanism to decide on police pay.”
The Government also announced it has raised the starting salary for officers joining on the Degree Apprentice programme to £23,556 – also from 1 September.
The Dog Handlers’ Allowance will also be increased by 5%.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “It is right that we recognise the extraordinary work of our officers who day in, day out, work tirelessly to keep our streets, communities and country safe.”
In its recommendation to the Government, the PRRB noted concerns about the cost of living on junior ranks.
The Home Office said it would be supporting forces with an additional £350 million over the next three years, from within its existing budget, to help cover the associated costs of the pay award.