Police Pay Rise 2026/27: The 3.5% Award Explained
The Government confirmed a 3.5% pay rise for officers in England and Wales from 1 September 2026. Here is what it means for your salary and your take-home.
The 2026/27 Award at a Glance
The Government confirmed a 3.5% pay award on 15 July 2026, effective 1 September 2026, for all ranks in England and Wales. It sits below the 3.9% the Police Remuneration Review Body recommended.
Officers who have not yet reached the top of their scale also receive their normal increment, typically 4% to 6%, on top of the award.
What It Adds to Your Salary
Applied to the current scales, a new constable starting salary rises from £31,164 to about £32,256. At the top of the constable scale, pay moves from £50,256 to about £52,014.
Why Your Take-Home Rises by Less
Pension, income tax and National Insurance all apply to the increase. A 3.5% gross rise usually lands as roughly 2% more take-home.
With the higher-rate threshold frozen at £50,270, a top-scale constable now pays 40% tax on part of the rise.
When You Will See It
The award takes effect on 1 September. If your force cannot process it in time, the increase is applied in a later month and backdated to 1 September.