Cheshire Police Federation has criticised the government's 3.5% police pay award, describing it as an "empty gesture".

The Government announced on Wednesday (15 July) that officers across all ranks will receive the fully funded pay rise from 1 September 2026.

However, it falls short of the 3.9% increase recommended by the independent Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB).

Jamie Thompson, chair of Cheshire Police Federation, said the recommendation had "fallen on deaf ears".

He said: "To not accept the recommendations in full is an own goal for this Government as it proves that the process is not fit for purpose and it legitimises our decision not to engage formally with it.

"As we head into what is undoubtedly going to be a busy summer, my members will do so knowing that the warm words and platitudes from this Government are empty gestures."

In a statement, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said ministers had given the PRRB's recommendations "very careful consideration" before deciding on a 3.5% consolidated pay increase for all ranks and pay points.

She said: "The Government has given very careful consideration to the [PRRB] recommendations and has decided to award a consolidated increase of 3.5% to all ranks and pay points.

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"This is the highest award that is manageable within existing police force and Home Office budgets, while enabling the continued delivery of the Government's crime and policing priorities, and considering the evidence and findings of the PRRB and SSRB."

This increase will take effect from 1 September 2026.

National Police Chiefs' Council chair Gavin Stephens said he was disappointed the government had not accepted the PRRB's recommendation in full but welcomed the additional funding.

He said: "Whilst we are disappointed that the full recommendations of the Police Remuneration Review Body were not accepted, we recognise that the pay award is above inflation and welcome the Government's additional funding, which goes some way to addressing the acute financial pressure forces are facing."