Pay Rise Will Not Stop Officers Needing Food Banks

20 July 2022

Officers are using food banks and needing loans to make ends meet, and the announcement of an across-the-board £1,900 pay rise will do nothing to change that, according to Humberside Police Federation.

Chair Lee Sims said he was disappointed with the pay rise, which takes effect 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”.

Lee said: “I think it’s really disappointing obviously because it’s still below inflation. It’s been well documented that over the past 10 years we’ve had a decrease in pay of around 20% but it still appears that the Government have ignored our appeals for better pay.

“It’s totally wrong but the officers who are getting the higher percentage pay rise are really well below what they should be on anyway.

“The pay rise is undoubtedly going to have a negative effect on the higher ranking officers and longer serving officers. It’s refreshing that the starting salary of a police officer has risen, however I still believe that it’s well below what it should be due to what they have to deal with on a daily basis.

“I’ve still got officers using food banks. I’ve still got officers approaching our welfare and benevolent fund and asking for loans. Officers are still living hand to mouth and applying for second jobs. I still believe that this will continue and get worse.

“Officers will just realise that there’s better paid jobs out there, which they are doing. Officers not only in Humberside but around the country are leaving because of the poor pay and conditions.

“Policing is such a unique and demanding role, and I still want and believe that the Government should recognise this and officers should be paid accordingly for what they do.”

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.

Lee added that any officers in Humberside who are struggling financially should come to the Federation for advice and guidance.

He said: “If any officers are suffering, don’t suffer in silence, come to the Federation because we can help you.”