Responding to the Chancellor’s announcement today setting out the United Kingdoms Government’s ‘mini-budget’, Police Federation Chair Richard Hewitt has said:
“Whilst today’s statement sets out much needed support from the UK Government for households and businesses in the UK, many of our members and their families are still under huge financial pressure here on the Island".
“We’re now in the shocking situation where many of our police officers are struggling to cover monthly essentials and constantly relying on overtime to make ends meet".
"The Bank of England recently raised interest rates from 1.75% to 2.25% which will have a knock on effect here on the island, you don't have to be an economist to known that it's probably only going to get worse especially as we start to go into the winter and the cost of living crisis gets worse.
“More assertive action from government here on the island to support all struggling families, not just Police officers families must now be an urgent priority for ministers".
"Next year there must be a pay increase that genuinely takes account of the real terms pay cut officers have faced over the last decade".
"If officers are distracted by worries with regard to their finances morale will fall even further and this directly impacts our ability to serve the public.”