UK Police Get 4.2% Pay Rise, Extra Funding

Police officers in England and Wales are set to receive a government-backed 4.2% pay rise for all ranks up to chief superintendent, slightly above the current inflation rate of 4.1%. The increase will raise the starting salary for constables to £31,163 and provide additional boosts to on-call, hardship, and London weighting allowances, supported by £120 million in extra funding. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper called the rise an expression of gratitude and an investment in frontline policing. The Police Federation, representing over 145,000 officers, criticized the award as insufficient, citing ongoing issues such as resignations, mental health absences, and assaults, and arguing that the increase does little to address declining living standards after years of real-terms pay cuts. The government stated the pay award is part of a broader 'Plan for Change,' including funding for 3,000 additional officers to restore neighbourhood policing. The Federation will consult its members on whether to accept or reject the proposed offer.