Police officers told their pay rises as thousands given inflation-busting wage hikes
Thousands of police officers will see their wages go up after being handed an inflation-busting pay rise.
The government has confirmed a 4.2% pay increase for all police ranks up to chief superintendents in England and Wales - meaning the starting salary for a police constable now will be £31,163. The pay boost will be backed by £120 million in new funding from the Home Office, meaning it will not come out of existing policing budgets. Weighting for London -based police officers will be boosted by 4.2% in response to the "demands placed on officers in the capital", while the Home Office said the rise in pay across the country reflected the "bravery, professionalism and tireless dedication of officers who protect the public".
Amid concerns over rising crime and growing pressures on police, the government has provided funding of up to £1.2 billion to police forces this year, including £200 million to put in place an additional 3,000 neighbourhood police officers by next spring.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: "Our brave police officers work day and night, often making enormous sacrifices, to keep us safe.
"This government is proud to back them in doing so and today's pay award is a clear signal of our gratitude, and our determination, to ensure they are properly rewarded for their service.
"Policing is the bedrock of a secure Britain and our Plan for Change. We are committed to investing in the frontline and supporting officers who work every day to tackle crime, keep our streets safe and protect our communities."
National Police Chiefs' Council Lead for Pay and Conditions, Assistant Chief Officer Philip Wells, said: 'We are pleased that the pay review body recognised the evidence that was presented by chief constables and the pay award that has been announced today is what we believe our officers deserve and reflects the nature of the work they are required to undertake to keep our streets safe.
'Today, the Home Secretary also announced an extra £120 million towards funding the pay award. With more than 85% of police spend being on pay costs, it is vitally important that additional costs for pay are fully funded if we are to maintain services and be able to continue to invest in areas such as neighbourhood policing and technology.'
Under the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee announced earlier this year, the government has said it will increase the visibility of the police by introducing "named, contactable officers for every neighbourhood", as well as restoring guaranteed police patrols in busy areas at peak times (such as town centres) and create new career pathways through the College of Policing.
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