Police Pay
Rise 2026/27
Tracking the PRRB evidence, Treasury forecasts, and retention data driving the September 2026 police pay award.
Current Phase
Evidence Collection
Next Milestone
PRRB Report (June 2026)
"The police pay rise for 2026/27 is expected to fall between 2% and 3.5%, based on inflation forecasts, Scotland’s multi-year settlement benchmark, Treasury fiscal headroom, and historic PRRB behaviour patterns. The final decision will be announced in Summer 2026 and implemented from 1 September 2026."
How Much Will Police Pay Increase in 2026?
The 2026/27 police pay rise is projected at 2% to 3.5%, with 3% currently the most probable outcome based on Treasury inflation targets, PRRB historical behaviour, and Scotland’s recent multi-year benchmark. The final decision is expected in July 2026 and implemented from 1 September 2026.
Latest Confirmed Updates
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) revised its medium-term CPI forecast to approximately 2.1%, marginally above the Bank of England’s 2.0% target. This slightly weakens the Treasury’s argument for a strictly target-aligned sub-2% award.
The Home Secretary issued the formal remit letter to the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB), officially commencing the 2026/27 pay round. The letter emphasized affordability and alignment with wider public sector fiscal controls.
Monitoring Phase (Forward Projection)
Based on historic PRRB cycles (2015–2025), the following milestones are expected:
- Late Feb–Mar 2026 Evidence submissions conclude
- April–May 2026 Internal PRRB modelling & Treasury negotiation
- June 2026 PRRB report submitted to Home Secretary
- July 2026 Government decision announced
- 1 Sept 2026 Implementation (backdated if required)
What to Watch Next (Next 30 Days)
- • PRRB parsing of submitted evidence bundles.
- • ONS monthly inflation data releases determining real-terms pressure points.
- • Treasury Spending Review signals regarding aggregate public sector headroom.
Live Monitoring Framework
This page operates as a rolling authority tracker. Updates are triggered when any of the following change:
- OBR inflation projections
- ONS CPI monthly releases
- Treasury Spending Review announcements
- Public sector comparator awards (NHS, Teachers, Armed Forces)
- Formal PRRB recommendation publication
Executive Analysis
The trajectory of police pay in England and Wales has entered a critical phase of structural realignment. As we look toward the 2026/27 financial year, the landscape is defined by a complex interplay of post-inflationary stabilization, recruitment retention crises, and the evolving fiscal policy of the Treasury.
The Current Position
Following the 4.75% award in 2024 and the 4.2% settlement for 2025/26, the government has signaled a return to "normality" in public sector pay awards. However, this normality is contested. For front-line officers, the recent awards have barely begun to mitigate the real-terms erosion of salary value that has occurred since 2010.
1. Real Terms Erosion & The 2010 Benchmark
Since 2010, the cumulative value of a police salary has declined by an estimated 17% to 20% when adjusted for CPI inflation. This represents a fundamental shift in the middle-class status of the office of constable.
2. The Scotland Benchmark Influence
A pivotal driver for the 2026 forecast is the precedent set by Police Scotland. The multi-year settlement in Scotland, which reached an effective cumulative rise of ~12% over three years, has created a "comparative pressure" on the Home Office.
3. Treasury Fiscal Constraints & OBR Outlook
The 2026 award will be the first major settlement of the new Spending Review period. The Treasury’s fiscal rules remain stringent. With the OBR projecting a cooling of inflation toward the 2% target by 2026, the Government’s starting position for the PRRB remit will likely be "affordability within target inflation."
4. Recruitment Pressure as Leverage
Policing is currently a "seller's market" for labor. Attrition rates among officers with less than five years of service are at record highs. A retention-focused pay award is actually more fiscally responsible than a low award that triggers further resignations.
5. The Multi-Year Settlement Probablity
There is increasing evidence that the Home Office is exploring a multi-year pay deal for 2026–2029. This would provide the Government with industrial stability and officers with predictable increments.
Conclusion: For 2026, the award will not be determined by inflation alone, but by the Government's willingness to invest in the basic stability of the workforce.
Are Officers Actually Better Off?
A projected 3% award would increase a top-scale Constable’s gross salary by approximately £1,447 annually. However, after pension contributions (12.44%–13.44%), income tax, and National Insurance, the net monthly increase is significantly lower. See full take-home breakdown by rank.
Whether officers are “better off” depends entirely on inflation in 2026:
- • If inflation is 2% → modest real-terms gain
- • If inflation is 3% → near break-even
- • If inflation exceeds 3% → real-terms erosion continues
Police pay since 2010 remains approximately 17% below CPI-adjusted levels despite recent corrective awards.
| Scenario | Award | Inflation | Real Terms Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treasury Baseline | 2% | 2% | Neutral |
| Moderate Stabilisation | 3% | 2% | Real Gain |
| Inflation Drift | 3% | 3% | Break Even |
| Inflation Spike | 3% | 4% | Real Loss |
Real Terms Analysis (2010–2025)
Tracking the decade-long relationship between pay awards and the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Have police pay rises kept up with inflation?
"No. Since 2010, cumulative police pay awards have trailed CPI inflation by approximately 17.2%."
Structural Context: The 2010–2026 Position
Even after the corrective awards of 2024 and 2025, police pay remains materially below its CPI-adjusted 2010 benchmark.
This has three long-term implications:
- • Pension accrual has compounded from a suppressed base for over a decade
- • Overtime reliance has structurally increased
- • Mid-service officers remain financially exposed to inflation volatility
The 2026 award will determine whether the correction phase continues — or whether real-terms stabilisation becomes the permanent ceiling.
| Year | Pay Award % | CPI Inflation % | Cumulative Loss % | Real Terms Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 0% | 3.3% | 3.3% | Erosion Initiated |
| 2011 | 0% | 4.5% | 7.8% | Significant Gap |
| 2012 | 1.0% | 2.8% | 9.6% | Continued Erosion |
| 2013 | 1.0% | 2.6% | 11.2% | Double Digit Loss |
| 2014 | 1.0% | 1.5% | 11.7% | Marginal Loss |
| 2015 | 1.0% | 0.5% | 11.2% | Slight Recovery |
| 2016 | 1.0% | 0.7% | 10.9% | Stabilization |
| 2017 | 1.0% + 1% | 2.7% | 11.6% | Bonus Distortion |
| 2018 | 2.0% | 2.5% | 12.1% | Growth Gap |
| 2019 | 2.5% | 1.8% | 11.4% | Recovery Phase |
| 2020 | 2.5% | 0.9% | 9.8% | Post-Pandemic High |
| 2021 | 0% | 2.5% | 12.3% | Austerity Return |
| 2022 | £1,900 Flat | 9.1% | 16.4% | Inflation Shock |
| 2023 | 7.0% | 8.7% | 18.1% | Max Erosion |
| 2024 | 4.75% | 2.6% | 12.2% | Correction Start |
| 2025 | 4.2% | 2.1%* | 10.1%* | Correction Continued |
The Authority Update In Your Feed
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If the Award Were
Announced Today
Based on current models for a top scale Constable (£50,523), here is how the primary forecast brackets translate to annual gross increases:
Strategic Forecast Modelling
Independent projections for the 2026/27 award cycle based on current fiscal headroom and BoE quarterly reports.
Award Impact Predictor
Select your rank and model different award scenarios to see the impact on your gross pay and potential backpay.
Current Base Salary: £48,231
*Calculations based on 2024/25 base salary data. Does not include London allowances in the gross prediction, only base salary impact.
Treasury Baseline
The 'Target Alignment' model. Sticking to BoE target inflation.
Moderate Stabilisation
The 'Soft Landing' model. Marginal real terms gain to defend recruitment.
Catch-up Strategy
Active attempt to address historical loss. Popular with Federation.
Political Stabiliser
aligns with Scottish multi-year benchmarks. High probability.
Inflation Pivot
Triggered only by a second energy or commodity price shock.
How 2026 Compares
Contextualizing the police award against wider public sector benchmarks.
NHS Agenda for Change
Historically used as the strongest comparative benchmark. Closely tied to OBR headroom.
Teachers
Often receives slightly higher settlements due to acute recruitment crises in stem subjects.
Firefighters
Negotiated separately (NJC), typically setting an early precedent for other emergency services.
Police Scotland
The strongest leverage point. Recent multi-year ~12% deal creates heavy political pressure.
PRRB Accountability Archive
Historical comparison of independent recommendations versus final Government implementation.
| Year | PRRB Recommendation | Final Govt Award | Variance / Action | Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021/22 | Targeted Uplifts Recommended | 0% (Pay Freeze) | Recommendation Rejected | Austerity Mandate |
| 2022/23 | 5% or £1,900 Flat | £1,900 Flat | Implemented entirely | Cost of Living Crisis |
| 2023/24 | 7.0% | 7.0% | Implemented entirely | Record Inflation |
| 2024/25 | 4.75% | 4.75% | Implemented entirely | Post-Election Settling |
| 2025/26 | Expected ~4.2% | 4.2% (TBC) | TBC | Baseline Return |
Economic Drivers
Analyzing the four structural forces that will dictate the Government's 2026 remit.
1. OBR Growth Forecasts
The Treasury's ability to fund any award above 2% is tied directly to the OBR projections for GDP growth.
2. Public Sector Parity
The "comparative doctrine" ensures that police pay rarely drifts more than 0.5% – 1% away from the NHS and Teaching settlements.
3. The 2010 Price Level Gap
There is increasing pressure to recognize the absolute price level increase since 2010 (~45%) vs cumulative pay (~28%).
4. Attrition Leverage
With attrition rates among junior officers rising, the cost of 'churn' now equals or exceeds the cost of a 1% pay increase.
The PRRB Timeline
Key milestones for the 2026/27 police pay award cycle.
When will the 2026 police pay rise be announced?
"The official Government announcement for the 2026 police pay award is expected in mid-to-late July 2026. It is typically backdated to 1 September 2026."
Remit Letter
Home Secretary issues instructions.
Evidence
NPCC and Federation submit evidence.
PRRB Report
Panel submits final recommendations.
Decision
Government announces final award.
Implementation
Award takes effect on pay slips.
Financial Impact Analysis
Detailed worked examples of how the award translates to take-home pay.
Award Mechanics
It is a common misconception that a pay award only affects basic salary. It impacts the entire package.
- ✓ Increment Progression: Independent of the PRRB award.
- ✓ Overtime Rates: Multiplied by the base rate increase.
The Backpay Factor
Implementation delays result in a lump-sum backpay payment.
Worked Example
Constable Top Scale – 3% Award
Pension Impact Analysis
Understanding the compounding effect on your retirement legacy.
The CARE Scheme Revaluation
Small annual gains build massive multi-decade security due to revaluation and accrual mechanics.
A 1% pay rise today can add £15,000+ to your lifetime pension payout.
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Media & Policy Briefing Summary
- • Projected 2026 award: 2%–3.5%
- • Most probable outcome: 3%
- • Implementation date: 1 September 2026
- • Real-terms erosion since 2010: approx. 17%
- • Primary structural risk: Mid-service attrition
This page provides independent modelling based on OBR forecasts, ONS CPI data, and historic PRRB award patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to the most common queries.
What will the police pay rise be in 2026?
The police pay rise for 2026/27 is expected to fall between 2% and 3.5%, based on inflation forecasts, Scotland’s multi-year settlement benchmark, Treasury fiscal headroom, and historic PRRB behaviour patterns. The final decision will be announced in Summer 2026 and implemented from 1 September 2026.
When does the 2026 police pay award take effect?
The 2026/27 police pay award takes effect on 1 September 2026. If the announcement or implementation is delayed beyond this date, pay increases are typically backdated to 1 September.
Will there be a multi-year pay deal for UK police?
The Home Office is actively exploring a 2026-2029 multi-year settlement to stabilize retention. This follows the precedent set by Police Scotland's recent ~12% multi-year award, though it requires Treasury commitment beyond standard spending cycles.
How does inflation affect my 2026 pay award?
The PRRB uses CPI inflation as its primary 'standard of living' benchmark. Because OBR forecasts predict inflation will stabilize around the 2.0% target throughout 2025 and 2026, the Treasury expects the award to strictly align with this baseline.
Is police pay in Scotland different from England and Wales?
Yes. Police Scotland negotiates independently via the Scottish Police Consultative Forum (SPCF). Their recent front-loaded multi-year pay deal applies immense comparative political pressure on the PRRB regarding the England and Wales settlement.
Do police officers get increments as well as a pay rise?
Yes. Officers receive annual, service-based progression increments (moving up a pay point) completely independent of the PRRB's blanket cost-of-living award. You receive both until you hit the top of your rank's pay scale.
Will the 2026 pay rise affect my pension?
Absolutely. Any uplift to your basic pensionable pay increases the amount deposited into your CARE scheme. Due to annual compounding revaluation, even a 1% pay rise significantly increases your final lifetime retirement legacy.
What is the PRRB and how do they decide pay?
The Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) is an independent panel. They assess economic data, Home Office affordability limits, and Police Federation evidence before issuing a formal, yet non-binding, pay recommendation to the Government.
What happens if the government rejects the PRRB recommendation?
While historically rare, the Government has the final authority to reject, reduce, or delay the PRRB recommendation—as seen during the 2021/22 pay freeze—citing overriding 'fiscal constraints' or 'national affordability'.
Will London Weighting increase in 2026?
London Weighting and the London Allowance are reviewed continuously alongside basic pay. They usually receive an equivalent percentage increase during the PRRB award, though they remain distinct pensionable components.
How much backpay will I get if the pay rise is delayed?
Backpay equals your new monthly salary minus your old monthly salary, multiplied by the months delayed since September 1st. A £100 monthly increase paid in November means £200 in gross backpay.
Why has police pay reduced in real terms since 2010?
Prolonged austerity mandates (0% and 1% caps) between 2010 and 2018, followed by acute inflation spikes in 2022-2023, mean cumulative police pay awards currently trail CPI inflation by approximately 17.2%.
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