Police Pay Rise Slammed: Officers Left With Just 1% Hike Despite Government Claims
Police officers were promised a 2% pay rise from 1 September. But in reality, they’re only getting a 1% increase in their pay packets. Last year’s 1% rise was partly a one-off bonus, meaning the full 2% for this year isn’t stacking up as the Government claimed.
Forces Forced to Dig Into Own Budgets
The Government has confirmed that police forces will have to fund the pay rise themselves, stretching already tight budgets. Hampshire Police Federation Chairman John Apter hit out, telling Police Oracle: “I am angry at the government who yet again have shown nothing but contempt for hardworking police officers.”
He added that the Government ignored the Independent Pay Review Body’s recommendation for a higher pay award. The Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) suggested the 1% non-consolidated bonus from last year should be added on top of this year’s 2% rise. The Government rejected this.
Government Stubborn on Pay Awards
The Home Office claimed “police employers advised that the maximum affordable amount is a 2% rise,” effectively meaning only a 1% consolidated pay increase. Other public-sector workers, like teachers, are set to receive 3.5%, with the Government covering the extra costs.
Police Salaries and Allowances
Unlike schools, policing won’t get extra Government cash for the pay rise. Forces must find the money within existing budgets. The recent £460 million boost via Council Tax precepts is expected to cover the pay award.
The Home Office states the average pay for a police constable is now £38,600. The pay package includes a 2% rise across all ranks, a 2% bump in 1 Weighting payments, and a 2% hike in dog handlers’ allowances. Recruit salaries, including PC degree apprenticeships, will range from £18,000 to £23,586 as per PRRB recommendations.
