Consultation on new police pay review body launched
The government is today launching a consultation on how best to introduce a fairer and more efficient system to agree police officers’ pay.
Following on from recommendations in Tom Winsor’s review of police pay and conditions, we intend to establish an independent pay review body before the end of 2014, bringing police officers more in line with millions of other public sector workers.
The new body would recognise the unique role officers fulfil while ensuring that pay awards are affordable and fair.
Policing and criminal justice minister, Rt Hon Damian Green said:
‘Police officers play a vital role in this country, fighting crime and keeping us safe. It is right they are properly rewarded.
‘An independent pay review body will ensure recommendations on pay which are fair for both the public and the police. It will speed up the process and provide a less adversarial, more reasoned approach than has been taken previously.
‘We want to hear from everyone involved in policing and beyond to find out how we can create an efficient and effective pay review body that properly rewards police officers for years to come.’
Pay and conditions for police officers in England and Wales are currently determined by the home secretary following negotiations between interested parties and, if needed, arbitration.
The pay review body would consider evidence from the government, police officers of all ranks, police and crime commissioners and other interested parties. Unlike the current process, it would also carry out its own research to gain first-hand knowledge about the issue ahead of making a recommendation to the home secretary.
To find out more about the consultation go to: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/consultations/
Notes to editors
1) The consultation will close on Friday 21 December.
2) The home office will work with the association of police and crime commissioners to ensure that PCCs have the opportunity to respond to the consultation when they take office.
3) For further information contact the home office press office on 020 7035 3535.