New ministers urged to tackle crisis in policing

29 September 2022

West Midlands Police Federation is calling on the new Prime Minister and Home Secretary to repair the Government’s damaged relationship with the police after years of cutbacks.

Branch secretary Tim Rogers said the incoming administration would have to acknowledge the mistakes of previous governments and take urgent measures to correct them.

He said: “The previous administration was forced into announcing a very slight reinvestment in policing due to the mistakes its predecessors had made with austerity.

“Successive governments took the police service to the point of inefficiency with years of cutbacks and ill-judged cost-saving measures and the last administration was eventually forced to take action by starting to reinvest but much of it felt too little too late.

“Liz Truss and Suella Braverman now have the opportunity to make their mark by ordering a review of how policing is funded and how officers are paid and the right calls could have a really positive impact on our members.

“There is also a lot of pressure on the service to meet the targets for the Police Uplift Programme and that is another issue that will continue to create more problems.

“Ms Braverman has to make a priority of giving forces the ability to recruit the right people and that all goes back to pay and conditions.”

Tim said the new Home Secretary should meet Police Federation officials to discuss ongoing issues faced by members as soon as possible.

He said: “Our views on the policies of previous home secretaries are well known so hopefully Ms Braverman will start as she means to go on by sorting out the mess over police pay and pensions that she has inherited.

“Our members have been very badly treated in recent years so the time is now right to correct some of the mistakes of the past and start showing them a bit more respect, acknowledge the risks they take and properly reward them for the incredibly difficult jobs they do.

“Police officers hold a unique position in society and I fear that previous governments may have lost sight of the importance of the role they play in keeping this country safe and secure, particularly when the cost of living crisis has led to warnings of civil unrest by angry members of the public in a new winter of discontent.”

In a letter congratulating Ms Braverman on her appointment, the Police Federation told her it was unacceptable that police officers have seen a 25 per cent real term pay cut over the last 12 years.

It also wrote Ms Truss about the crisis in policing, drawing attention to the serious concerns over police pay and working conditions and pointing out that this year’s pay award will barely cover soaring energy costs faced by members this winter.

Tim added: “West Midlands Police officers have only ever asked to be treated fairly and with respect and I hope the new Home Secretary takes measures to ensure that happens.

“We wish her well in her new job and hopefully we can move forward together to create a police service our members are proud of and that the public deserves.”