Merseyside’s Police Commissioner has responded to today’s news that police officers will receive a pay rise of 7%.
It comes after the Government accepted the recommendations put forward by the Police Renumeration Review Body (PRRB).
Merseyside’s hard-working police officers are long overdue a proper pay rise, so I welcome the announcement that their dedication and service will finally be recognised with a 7% pay increase.
After many years of pay freezes and the cost of living crisis, this increase will make a difference easing the day-to-day financial pressures our officers and staff are facing. However the real terms pay of officers has decreased by 17% since 2010, so this will not put an end to their financial struggles.
I met with the Policing Minister earlier today and he has assured me that this pay increase will be fully funded and will therefore not create a further blackhole in the police budget or create an additional cost to taxpayers.
I will study the details of the settlement closely to ensure this is the case. While today’s announcement explicitly references officers, it is important that police staff are equally recognised.
As many of us look forward to attending tonight’s Police Bravery Awards, I am pleased the tireless work, professionalism and courage our officers show day in, day out serving our communities, has been recognised through this pay award.
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell
