Government pledges £120 million to fund rise, reinforcing commitment to frontline policing
Police officers in England and Wales are set to receive a 4.2% pay rise, the government has confirmed — an above-inflation increase aimed at recognising the crucial work carried out by forces across the country.
This uplift, which applies to all ranks up to and including chief superintendents, is part of the government’s broader “Plan for Change” initiative — a strategy designed to strengthen frontline policing and restore trust in public safety services.
- Newly recruited constables will now start on £31,163 — a jump of £1,256.
- Constables with six years of service can expect to earn £50,257.
- Chief superintendents will see average salaries climb to around £98,500.
Additional allowances for officers — including on-call duty, away-from-home assignments, and hardship support — will increase by £10. London weighting will also rise by 4.2%, acknowledging the unique demands of policing the capital.
The Home Office has pledged £120 million to support the pay hike, ensuring police forces won’t bear the financial burden.
“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.”
The pay rise comes amid wider efforts by the government to improve community-level policing and restore public faith in law enforcement through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.
Police officers across England and Wales will receive a 4.2% salary rise, the Home Secretary has announced, with entry-level pay rising to £31,163 and chief superintendents set to earn nearly £100,000.
Backed by £120 million from the Home Office, the increase underscores the government’s pledge to strengthen frontline policing under its Plan for Change.
As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, the government has outlined several steps to enhance local policing efforts:
- A return to dedicated neighbourhood officers to tackle local crime and increase visibility
- Contactable officers are assigned to every community
- Routine patrols in busy areas during peak hours, such as town centres
- New career pathways and standards set by the College of Policing
To support this, an extra £1.2 billion in police funding has already been distributed this year, including £200 million earmarked to hire 3,000 more neighbourhood officers by spring next year.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper praised officers’ ongoing dedication: “Our brave police officers work day and night, often making enormous sacrifices, to keep us safe.
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.”
The pay increase serves as both a gesture of appreciation and a practical move to ensure policing remains a viable and respected career path in the UK.
With growing demands and ever-present challenges in law enforcement, this latest announcement is seen as a meaningful step towards reinforcing community trust and police morale.
