Chair writes to all MPs following Pay and Morale report

11 April 2024

Cleveland Police Federation Chair Paul Crowley has written to all of our region's MPs following the publication of the #PayAndMorale report.

We republish his correspondence here

#FairPayForPolice

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Dear Sir/Madam

I write to you today to seek your urgent assistance regarding the perilous situation police officers in your area are facing, both professionally and personally. I respectfully seek your assistance in raising the following alarming situation in Parliament.

Since the announcement of the 7 per cent pay increase for police officers last year, we have always maintained the view this is a step in the right direction, but we must not lose sight of the fact this uplift still fails to take account of the real term cut of 22 per cent officers have suffered since 2000 – which is predicted to deepen should current trends continue.

With prices expected to increase – the OBR forecasts 11 per cent growth in the Consumer Price index by 2028 1 – unless changes are made to how much officers earn in the coming years. Analysis by independent think tank, Social Market Foundation, suggests a further 5 per cent pay reduction for police officers between 2023 and 2028 is implied, which is deeply concerning when set against a backdrop of disillusioned police officers.

Ultimately, it comes down to fairness and feeling valued for the vital, and increasingly dangerous, role they play in society to protect the public they serve, 24/7, 365 days of the year. Our dedicated police officers not only run towards danger when others run away, but they help the most vulnerable when they are at their lowest. I would encourage all Parliamentarians to read about the incredible feats our outstanding police officers have carried out when we publish the stories in May for this year’s national Police Bravery Awards. I hope this evokes a strong feeling of pride for British policing.

The sad reality is, however, despite all the extraordinary work carried out every day by our colleagues across England and Wales, some making the ultimate sacrifice, the figures prove this work is not truly valued by the Government.

Analysis of ONS earnings data show police officer pay rose by 40 per cent between 2000 and 2023. 

However, when compared with the pay change of other protective service officers – which includes members of the armed forces, firefighters, prison officers, and paramedics - (75 per cent), and public sector workers (98 per cent), this is underwhelming and grossly unfair.

Additionally, the latest Pay and Morale Survey 2023 undertaken by PFEW, giving frontline police officers a voice – shows the shameful situation here in Cleveland.

• 73% stated their workload has been ‘high’ or ‘much too high’ over the last 12 months.
• 93% highlighted how the police are treated by the Government had a negative impact on their morale, while 75% said their pay had a negative impact on their morale.
• 77% disclosed they are ‘dissatisfied’ or ‘very dissatisfied’ with their overall remuneration (including basic pay and allowances.
• 13% reported ‘never’ or ‘almost never’ having enough money to cover all their essentials.
• 84% reported that they were ‘worse off’ financially than they were five years ago.
• 85% feel they are not fairly paid given the hazards they face within their job.
• 62% said they did not feel valued within the police.
• 64% stated they would not recommend joining the police to others.
• 5% expressed intentions to resign within the next two years or as soon as possible.

In addition to a real term pay increase, policing urgently needs a fair pay mechanism which is independent of government interference and delivers a binding outcome to restore trust and faith in the police pay process.

Ultimately, we are asking the Government:

• To work with the Federation on an entirely new and fairer system of remuneration decision-making.
• To understand the restrictions and limitations put on police officers for the risks they face on a day-to-day basis and for pay to compensate that.
• To ensure police officers receive a meaningful pay increase to make reparations for the years of real-terms cuts.
• To support the profession and prove it is valued through meaningful action before we see even more officers leave their roles due to their treatment by government.

Police officers are not immune to the current cost of living crisis, with a significant proportion struggling to make ends meet - coupled with a recruitment and retention crisis, this does not bode well for the future of the police service.

More than 9,000 officers resigned in the year ending March 2023 - the highest number of leavers in a financial year since comparable records began. At a critical time where the police service is looking to rebuild eroded public confidence, a sustained recruitment and retention programme is needed to meet demand and deliver.

We appreciate there are many pressures, political and financial, on the Prime Minister and Chancellor. However, police officers are essential to ensure the safety of the public and should no longer be depreciated.

I appreciate your consideration of this important issue and once again seek your assistance in supporting our campaign, on behalf of our frontline officers, by raising these latest distressing statistics in Parliament.

Should you want to discuss this further, please do get in touch. Yours sincerely,

Paul Crowley