Merseyside’s police commissioner said she was “pleased” officers’ salaries will increase as a pay rise was “long overdue”, amid complaints the salary uplift is insufficient.
Emily Spurrell said she would review the police pay award in detail after it was announced all police officers will get a £1,900 salary increase. The award will apply to all ranks from September 1, equivalent to a 5% overall pay increase. However, policing groups have criticised the figure for failing to keep pace with inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.
Ms Spurrell, who was elected Merseyside Police & Crime Commissioner in May 2021, wrote on Twitter: “Mersey Police's hardworking officers are long overdue a pay rise. After years of real-terms cuts, it's vital to recognise challenges they face especially with surging living costs.
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“I'll review this in detail, but pleased Home Office listened to our concerns and provided some extra funding.”
The pay award will be targeted at those on the lowest salaries to provide them with an uplift of up to 8.8 per cent, and between 0.6 per cent and 1.8 per cent for those on higher incomes. However, this led to criticism by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) which said the award was “not good news for all officers” and would negatively affect those in higher ranks.
Steve Hartshorn, national chair of the Police Federation, said: “The average 5 per cent settlement announced today is still below inflation, and PFEW believes the Government ‘still has a long way to go’ to demonstrate they’re treating officers with the dignity and respect they deserve, this is only a small first step forward in regaining their trust.
“It is disappointing that the pay increase is not good news for all officers, negatively affecting those in higher ranks. It’s in the Government’s direct interest to ensure that all police officers are paid properly and can pay their bills.
“If they don’t, retaining the high-quality officers our country needs - and this Government promised - will be doomed to fail.”
The Home Office said Priti Patel had accepted all recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body. Alongside the pay award, the minimum starting salary for a police constable degree apprentice will be raised to £23,556 from September.
The Home Secretary said: “I am pleased to be able to accept the pay review body recommendations in full so that all police officers see a £1,900 salary uplift. It is right that we recognise the extraordinary work of our officers who day in, day out, work tirelessly to keep our streets, communities and country safe.”
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