Fed chair ‘disappointed’ with subscription increase decision

18 May 2022

The chair of West Midlands Police Federation says he is “disappointed” with the decision to increase the cost of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) subscriptions as he reassures members that the branch will be reviewing how it can best support officers with their financial wellbeing in the future.

In a motion put before annual conference, figures released by the national Police Federation revealed that 221 delegates voted for a rise in subscription costs, with 170 voting against.

Speaking about the outcome, Rich Cooke said: “I spoke against the motion and voted in accordance.

“I’m disappointed with the result, however, it was fully and fairly debated and voted on democratically. There are genuine financial issues that need to be addressed for the long term, but I felt this could have been addressed with more radical options being considered that don’t place any extra cost on members. That said, the rise has been kept in line with any pay increase we receive at a time of rampant inflation.

“We will now have to consider, as a branch, our response and how we can assist members with their financial wellbeing.”

On its website, the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) said: “With the current cost of living crisis, last year’s pay freeze and without knowing if our members will receive an increase in their pay this year or not, now is not the time to increase Police Federation of England and Wales subscriptions.

“PFEW, however, is also facing increased costs. Soaring inflation, upcoming litigation and the financial health of our National Reserves Fund means we need to at least start to have an open and honest conversation on this subject with Federation representatives to make sure that there is a strong, viable Federation fighting for our members for years to come.”

The PFEW said the conference gave the perfect opportunity to open the conversation surrounding subscription rates, which have only increased once in the last decade.

The PFEW statement continues: “On such an important issue, PFEW took the view conference delegates should be given the opportunity to hear the rationale for any proposed future increase in subscriptions immediately.

“We care passionately about the views of our members which is why hearing from delegates at conference – their representatives – on this matter was vital. On that basis, it was agreed to bring a motion to conference this year for discussion.”

On that basis, it was agreed to bring a motion to conference this year for discussion. This motion looked at future options for an increase in subscriptions on the basis that it would only be introduced once it has been confirmed by the Government that members will receive a pay increase.

As a result of the motion, the conference supported increasing the rate of all types of PFEW subscriptions effective from 1 September 2022, in line with the percentage uplift to police pay for 2022-23.