“The way police officer pay rises are decided is effectively pointless”

17 September 2024

Cumbria Police Federation has reacted angrily to comments by Police Minister Diana Johnson that the Labour Government has no plans to change the way police officer pay rises are decided.

Dame Diana made the comments in a Q&A session at the Superintendents’ Association Conference, when pressed on police pay.

The Police Federation of England and Wales are lobbying for a new pay mechanism for police with the aim of fairer remuneration and working conditions for officers.

Ed Russell, Chair of Cumbria Police Federation, said: “Labour have stated that there are no plans to modernise the way police officer pay rises are arbitrated. This leaves a bizarre situation where, following an official annual review of the circumstances surrounding police pay and conditions is conducted and can effectively be ignored by the Government, making it effectively pointless.

“This is why the Federation withdrew from the process several years ago as without binding arbitration police are left to pick up whatever scraps the Government of the day decides to throw us.

“I would urge the Government to review this.

“All we are calling for is an independent and binding system which would put us on a level footing with other services.”

Currently the Police Pay Review Body hears evidence from interested parties and recommends what the police officer pay rise should be.

It receives direction from the Home Secretary before embarking on the pay review process and the Government is under no obligation to accept the PRRB’s recommendation.

This year’s recommendation of a 4.75% rise for officers was accepted in full.

Speaking last week, Dame Diana did say that the Government has agreed funding to pay for training in neighbourhood policing to equip officers "with the skills, knowledge and confidence to tackle the issues that damage communities the most".

She also pledged to make sure the police covenant works for officers and support the wellbeing of police.