More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
Police employees should get a pay rise just like firefighters and NHS workers, says crime commissioner Matthew Scott.
The two-term Conservative PCC says the matter is one of fairness, urging Home Secretary Priti Patel to reconsider her stance on a public sector pay freeze.
Matthew Scott talks about a pay rise
Matthew Scott has written to the government asking them to review the proposal.
He said: "I'm asking that police officers get the same treatment as firefighters and NHS workers in receiving a pay rise this year.
"I think that given the work that they've done during the pandemic, to keep us safe, as well as carrying on their normal duties means that it's only fair that they get one.
"So I'm calling for parity with other blue light colleagues, and that police officers and staff do get a pay rise."
The Home Secretary Priti Patel has confirmed that those earning more than £24,000 would be hit by the public sector pay freeze, while those earning less would be given an annual rise of £250.
But Matthew Scott thinks this is not good enough.
He added: “ Police officers and staff deserve a pay rise.
"Since I first tweeted this on Wednesday night, momentum has been gathering from across policing calling for the Treasury to step in and fund a pay rise for the police.
"They’ve been at the frontline of this pandemic, dealing with the enforcement of regulations whilst still doing their regular work. And experiencing a massive increase in assaults.
"Financially and economically the country is in a difficult position, one accepts.
"Some may even disagree with me. But the position of a 'public sector pay freeze' has not been consistent, with those in the NHS and fire service receiving well-deserved pay rises, as well as some others.
"So let’s acknowledge what the police have done for us.
"I wrote to ministers on Wednesday asking them to work with the Treasury to find a solution. I’m pleased that The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners has too. Because police officers and staff deserve a pay rise."
Speaking to KentOnline Mr Scott explained that he has received a lot of support for the stance that he has taken.
He said: "I think people see it is an issue of fairness, they see that people in the NHS and in fire are receiving a pay rise and police officers feel like they've been singled out to not receive one, which is just not consistent with what they're doing for blue light workers.
"So I think that the Treasury should listen, I think they should fund a pay rise for our police officers as soon as possible."
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