Branch secretary backs calls for urgent police pay restoration

17 March 2026

Branch secretary Ben Hudson has voiced his full support for the Police Federation of England and Wales’s (PFEW) latest push to restore officer pay to sustainable levels.

The PFEW has submitted a report to the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) recommending a minimum seven per cent annual pay rise for officers over the next three years.

The report warns that morale, retention, and operational capability are all on a ‘downward spiral’, with PFEW stating that continued pay erosion could have ‘direct consequences’ for public safety. 

Over the past 15 years, officers have suffered a real-terms pay cut of more than 20 per cent – a trend the proposed award aims to address.

Restoring pay

The submission follows:

• The Government’s remit letter to the PRRB, which stresses that recommendations must reflect affordability within existing funding settlements

• The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) indicated it would back a 3.5 per cent award only if fully funded, dropping to 2.5 per cent otherwise.

“I fully echo the PFEW’s sentiments - it is time for the Government to demonstrate real support for police officers,” said Ben.

“Years of cutbacks have left frontline officers struggling to cover basic living costs. Some are even forced to leave the service, creating devastating gaps in our workforce. This situation is unsustainable. Restoring pay is not just fair; it is essential for public safety and morale.

“Statements in Parliament are welcome, but officers need action. Accepting this proposal would prove the Government’s words have substance, not just political intent.”

Ben welcomed PFEW, including proposals for a national detective payment, in its submission.

Unsocial hours

In his role as chair of the National Detective Forum, Ben has been a long-standing advocate for payments.

“There’s a postcode lottery as to whether detectives get extra payments,” he said.

“Detectives lose out financially when they move from a 24/7 pattern and no longer receive the unsocial hours allowance.

“On top of that, they face the pressure of studying for the National Investigators’ Exam.

 

Branch secretary Ben Hudson

 

“A national detective payment would recognise the commitment and expertise required for the role and remove the variations between forces.

“It would also make it a more attractive career route and help recruitment.”

Ben has also backed work by PFEW national secretary John Partington to secure a full review of the 1994 PNB Agreement covering the inspecting ranks.

The Federation believes the agreement, which is more than 30 years old, is unfit for modern policing, particularly given the workload and responsibilities carried by inspectors and chief inspectors.

Excessive hours

PFEW’s submission includes a call to extend workload payments to inspectors and chief inspectors, with additional pay for hours worked beyond 48 per week, pending a full review of the 1994 PNB Agreement.

Ben said: “A review of the 1994 PNB Agreement is long overdue.

“The roles and responsibilities of the inspecting ranks have changed in the past 30 years.

“They are working excessive hours without compensation and are accumulating rest days that, in reality, they’re never going to be able to take.

“PFEW’s proposal would encourage promotion to these ranks and help with retention while the wider agreement is properly reviewed.”
PFEW national secretary John Partington criticised the NPCC for signalling support for a low settlement. 

“If affordability within existing budgets becomes the ceiling for pay, we are guaranteeing a broken service. Officers will be putting their lives on the line this weekend knowing their chiefs are effectively endorsing a real-terms pay cut,” he said.

Remuneration

John also called for structural reform of police remuneration, including a military-style ‘P Factor’ to recognise the unique risks, restrictions, and psychological trauma inherent in policing.

Evidence submitted to the PRRB highlights:

• Nearly half of all constables have five years’ service or less

• Mental health-related sickness absence is at record levels

• Assaults on officers remain persistently high.

Ahead of the report’s finalisation, Policing Minister Sarah Jones told Parliament that officers should ‘be in no doubt’ the Government is ‘on your side and will support you’.

Ben ended: “Accepting this proposal is the perfect opportunity to prove that Ms Jones’ assurances are more than just words. Our officers deserve fair pay, respect, and recognition for the risks they take every day.”

READ MORE: MP and PCC lead local opposition to proposed Force merger.