Beds Police Federation joins backlash against Home Secretary over 0% increase of officers' pay

Bedfordshire's branch of the Police Federation has joined national colleagues in condemning Home Secretary Priti Patel over her refusal to increase officers' pay.
By Stewart Carr
Published 29th Jul 2021, 17:12 BST
Chairman od Beds Police Federation Stephen Bozward (left) and Home Secretary Priti Patel (right)Chairman od Beds Police Federation Stephen Bozward (left) and Home Secretary Priti Patel (right)
Chairman od Beds Police Federation Stephen Bozward (left) and Home Secretary Priti Patel (right)

The Police Federation of England and Wales passed a vote of no confidence in the Home Secretary last week, after the announcement that rank-and-file officers would receive a 0% pay increase.

The organisation has withdrawn its involvement with the government's 'Police Remuneration Review Body' - labelling the current pay mechanism "not fit for purpose".

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New police constables are currently paid a salary of £20,880.

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Stephen Bozward, chairman of the Bedfordshire Police Federation, said: "A 0% pay rise for police officers who have worked tirelessly during this pandemic is a kick in the teeth. It’s only right there is 0% confidence in the Home Secretary.

"l’m disgusted at the government showing their utter contempt by ignoring the risks officers have faced alongside NHS colleagues in the pandemic by giving them no pay rise.

"I’m pleased NHS & firefighters receive this but officers get nothing? This is unfair."

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Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Bedfordshire, Festus Akinbusoye said: "I find the current pay deal being offered to our police officers inadequate and thoroughly disappointing.

"They have been asked to keep the peace during a time of a national crisis, putting their lives and health on the line... This pay arrangement cannot work and needs to be revisited.

"While I appreciate that many considerations will have gone into arriving at this current decision, I nontheless hope the Home Secretary and Chancellor will reconsider and address this as a matter of urgency."