Financial pressures facing officers highlighted in new report

29 May 2026

A new national report has revealed the growing financial pressures facing police officers, with many struggling to cover basic living costs.

The latest Police Family Finance Index Report, published by Police Friendly, found that 15 per cent of respondents reported missing meals in the past year due to a lack of money.

Almost half (46 per cent) of police officers have considered opting out of their pension in the past 12 months. Some seven per cent went on to stop contributions altogether.

The report, based on more than 13,500 responses from across the UK police family, also found:

· 68 per cent of police officers report current financial concerns

· 56 per cent say their financial situation has worsened over the past year

· Nearly four in 10 are in significant debt when housing costs are included

· 15 per cent report missing meals due to lack of money

Tiff Lynch, national chair of Police Federation of England and Wales, said: “We’ve seen again this week the very real dangers officers face; bravery and selflessness, running towards danger to protect the local community.

Pensions

"What the public aren’t told is that those same officers are doing it on pay that means they struggle to pay the bills.

"Up to 10,000 officers may already have stopped paying into their pensions just to get through the month.

“This is not sustainable. A minimum 7 per cent annual pay award for the next three years is both fair and affordable because the alternative is losing experienced officers and putting public safety at risk.”

Andy Rhodes OBE QPM, service director of the National Police Wellbeing Service, said: “The findings from Police Friendly’s latest survey echo the serious concerns we have about the financial challenges faced by those in policing.

“These findings can’t be viewed in isolation. We cannot underestimate the weight financial instability can have on a person’s mental health and wellbeing.

Key issues

“Year-on-year, Police Friendly release findings from their annual survey - and the results get worse each time around. This is just one of many elements highlighting the growing strain and pressures being placed on the shoulders of police officers and their families.

“The only way we can stop this is for multiple key stakeholders to collaboratively address the key issues.”

The national findings were reflected in responses from officers in West Mercia.

Among West Mercia respondents to the survey:

· 63 per cent reported financial concerns

· 35 per cent said they frequently rely on credit cards, overdrafts or other borrowing to cover essential bills

· 27 per cent said they had considered stopping their police pension contributions but were continuing to pay

· Seven per cent said they had already stopped contributing to their pension

· 12 per cent said they had gone without food in the past 12 months due to financial pressures

· 12 per cent said they were considering leaving policing within the next five years

Stuart Bott, interim secretary of West Mercia Police Federation, said: “I’m shocked by some of the findings but, sadly, I’m not entirely surprised by them.

“It can’t be right that police officers, who are there for the public when they are most in need, are struggling to put food on the table.

Financial concerns

“But a 20 per cent pay cut for officers over the past decade on top of the soaring cost of living means that’s exactly where we are.

“It means officers are having to make short-term decisions, like whether to pay into their pension, to ease their financial concerns.

“But that in itself is likely to create financial concerns further down the line.

“Pay and morale are closely linked, so it’s not a surprise that some are considering leaving the service.

“Police officers deserve a fair pay deal that allows them to concentrate on serving and protecting the public, rather than worrying about how they’re going to pay the bills or feed their family.”

Officers who may be struggling financially can access guidance and support through the debt advice and welfare support page on the Federation website.

Members can also access financial wellbeing advice, budgeting guidance and factsheets through Police Mutual support services.

Diary

May 2026