Police bosses renew call for pay increase

Police bosses have renewed their calls for pay increases, telling the Home Secretary Priti Patel that they “deserve better”.

Last week police representatives marched on Downing Street after it was announced that officers who earn more than £24,000 will be subject to a pay freeze this year.

NHS staff will receive a 3 per cent increase, while firefighters and local government workers will receive 1.5 per cent.

It sparked National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) chairman Martin Hewitt to write to Patel expressing his concern over staff pay.

In his letter to the Home Secretary this week, seen by the PA news agency, Hewitt said: “There is no question that properly rewarding our incredible people is now a significant issue of concern for chief constables.
“We simply believe they deserve better and that it is the responsibility of Government to address this across the forthcoming spending period.”

He went on to cite the role played by the police during the pandemic, perhaps alluding to their prominent role during the protests last summer.

Hewitt went on to say: “Unlike other parts of the public service, officers do not have the option of industrial action to make their case more strongly.

“As the Government makes spending decisions over coming months, we urge you to fund a settlement which properly reflects the important and complex work police officers do, and starts to address the pay shortfall.”

The letter comes amid a wave of criticism for the Home Secretary from the police. Only last month she was subject to a motion of no confidence from the Police Federation of England and Wales.

The Home Office has been approached for comment.