Police Federation to challenge Home Office on pay

4 October 2018

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has started proceedings with the Home Office that could lead to a Judicial Review of the Government’s decision not to implement in full the recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB).

PRRB, after considering evidence submitted by all parties including the Police Federation, had recommended a pay increase of three per cent for officers from 1 September.

The Government, however, only awarded two per cent. This is the second year running that the Government has failed to follow the PRRB recommendation.

John Apter, national Federation chair, explains: “In response to this betrayal and based on legal advice, PFEW has instructed solicitors to start Judicial Review proceedings against the Home Secretary on the basis that he has stated that the pay decision was a Government decision and not his decision alone.

“Police officers must be treated fairly and have confidence that any independent pay recommendations will be accepted in full by the Home Secretary.

“I know the deep sense of anger felt by many of our members about the way they have been treated. This is why we have taken this action and make no apology for doing so. Doing nothing was simply not an option and it is right and proper that we challenge this unfairness legally.”