Government urged to act as police pay pressures mount

31 March 2026

Interim branch secretary Stu Bott has called on the Government to deliver meaningful change on police pay, warning that continued inaction risks further damaging morale and retention across policing.

Speaking on behalf of West Mercia Police Federation, Stu backed the national submission from the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) to the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB), which sets out the case for a minimum seven per cent annual pay award over the next three years.

The submission highlights the growing gap between the demands placed on officers and the pay they receive, with years of below-inflation settlements contributing to a real-terms reduction in earnings of more than 20 per cent.

It also raises serious concerns about the long-term impact on officer wellbeing, operational effectiveness, and the ability to retain experienced staff.

Pay award

The PFEW’s submission follows:

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

• Indications from the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) that it would support a 3.5 per cent pay award only if fully funded, reducing to 2.5 per cent if not.

Stu said: “Officers in West Mercia are proud of the job they do, but pride alone does not pay the bills. For too long, police pay has failed to keep pace with both inflation and the increasing complexity of the role.

“What we are seeing now is the cumulative effect of that - experienced officers questioning whether they can afford to stay, and newer recruits facing real financial pressure early in their careers.

“This is not just about fairness, it’s about sustainability. If we do not properly value policing, we will struggle to maintain the workforce our communities rely on.”

Stu said the Government must now move beyond supportive rhetoric and take decisive action.

“We have heard ministers say they support policing, including comments from the Policing Minister Sarah Jones, but support has to be demonstrated in real terms. Pay is a fundamental part of that.

“Officers are being asked to do more, take on greater risks, and manage increasingly complex situations - all while their pay continues to fall behind. That imbalance cannot continue.”

He also echoed concerns raised nationally that limiting pay decisions to existing funding settlements could have serious consequences.

Budgets

He continued: “If affordability within current budgets is allowed to dictate outcomes, then we are effectively accepting a continued decline in policing. That is not in the interests of officers or the public.

“Investment in policing should be seen for what it is - an investment in public safety.”

The PFEW submission also calls for wider reform of police pay structures, including the introduction of a ‘P Factor’ to recognise the unique demands, risks and restrictions of the role.

Evidence presented alongside the submission points to mounting pressures within the service, including a workforce with less experience overall, rising mental health-related absences, and consistently high levels of assaults on officers.

Stu ended: “Our members are resilient and committed, but they are not immune to the pressures they face. Pay is not the only issue, but it is a significant one - and one the Government has the power to address.

“If we want a strong, effective police service in the future, we need to start making the right decisions now.”

READ MORE: Branch secretary Lesley Williams retires.