Police Pay Scales 2026: Predictions & Timeline
The 2026 police pay award will determine the salary for officers across England and Wales from September 1, 2026. This page tracks the latest news, PRRB submissions, and expected timelines.
Independent reference document • Updated as official information is released
Last updated: 25 February 2026
Police Pay Scales 2026 – Quick Summary
Expected UK police pay increase of around 4.2%
Applies to police officers in England and Wales
New pay scales expected to take effect from 1 September 2026
Based on recommendations from the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB)
Final figures subject to Home Office confirmation
This page reflects the most recent publicly available information at the time of writing and will be updated when official 2026 police pay circulars are published. You can read our detailed guide on the Police Pay Award Process to understand how these decisions are reached.
2026 Pay Award Timeline
September 1, 2026
Effective date for new pay scales.
July 2026 (Expected)
Government announcement of the 2026/27 award following PRRB recommendations.
May 2026 (Expected)
Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) submits report to the Home Secretary.
January 2026 - Present
Tracking inflation and public sector pay trends. Current CPI/RPI will heavily influence the 2026 recommendation.
Current Baseline (2024/25)
Any percentage increase for 2026 will be applied on top of the current 2024/25 scales (unless a multi-year deal changes 2025 first). Below are the current rates for reference.
Constable
| Pay Point | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Pay Point 0 | £31,497 |
| Pay Point 1 | £34,908 |
| Pay Point 2 | £36,801 |
| Pay Point 3 | £38,922 |
| Pay Point 4 | £40,083 |
| Pay Point 5 | £41,304 |
| Pay Point 6 | £44,748 |
| Pay Point 7 | £48,231 |
Sergeant
| Pay Point | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Pay Point 1 | £49,578 |
| Pay Point 2 | £50,916 |
| Pay Point 3 | £51,954 |
| Pay Point 4 | £53,646 |
Inspector
| Pay Point | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Met/City Pay Point 0 | £63,783 |
| Met/City Pay Point 1 | £65,454 |
| Met/City Pay Point 2 | £67,134 |
| Met/City Pay Point 3 | £68,808 |
| Pay Point 0 | £61,197 |
| Pay Point 1 | £62,865 |
| Pay Point 2 | £64,527 |
| Pay Point 3 | £66,143 |
Chief Inspector
| Pay Point | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Met/City Pay Point 1 | £70,116 |
| Met/City Pay Point 2 | £71,427 |
| Met/City Pay Point 3 | £72,798 |
| Pay Point 1 | £67,509 |
| Pay Point 2 | £68,823 |
| Pay Point 3 | £70,307 |
Superintendent
| Pay Point | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Pay Point 1 | £84,177 |
| Pay Point 2 | £88,449 |
| Pay Point 3 | £92,955 |
| Pay Point 4 | £99,015 |
Chief Superintendent
| Pay Point | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Pay Point 1 | £99,612 |
| Pay Point 2 | £102,903 |
| Pay Point 3 | £111,117 |
For those looking to see how these changes might impact their monthly budget, our tools can help you estimate take-home pay based on current and projected scales.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will police pay scales for 2026 be confirmed?
The final 2026 police pay scales are typically confirmed in July or August, following the publication of the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) report and the Government's official response. The new rates then take effect from 1 September 2026.
Does the 2026 police pay rise apply to all ranks?
Police pay awards generally apply to all federated ranks (Constable, Sergeant, Inspector, and Chief Inspector). However, the specific percentage can sometimes vary between higher and lower ranks depending on the Government's fiscal priorities and the PRRB's recommendations.
Is the 2026 police pay increase guaranteed?
No pay increase is guaranteed until the Home Office issues a formal pay circular. While the PRRB makes independent recommendations based on evidence such as inflation and recruitment, the Government reserves the final decision-making power.
Does the 2026 award affect allowances such as London weighting?
Pay awards often include recommendations for regional allowances like London Weighting and the South East Allowance. However, these are reviewed separately and may not always increase at the same percentage as the headline basic pay rate.
How this page is maintained
• Independent reference
• Updated as official information is released
• No affiliation with PRRB, Home Office, or police forces
• Designed for officers, candidates, and researchers
- UK tax and National Insurance concepts (HMRC guidance).
- Police pay scales and allowances are based on publicly available pay tables and official publications where applicable.
- Force overtime rules vary — always confirm your local policy and payslip.