Police officers in Lancashire feel ‘worse off’ financially now than they were five years ago, claims a new survey.
 
According to the 2023 Police Federation of England and Wales Pay and Morale Report, published today, 91% of respondents have seen living cost increases in the previous month and 76% of officers are dissatisfied with their pay.
 
A further 13% of Lancashire Police officers who responded to the survey said they intend to resign from the police service either ‘within the next two years’ or ‘as soon as [they] can’.

The survey was based on 650 responses received from Lancashire Police officers.
 
Whilst Police Officers received a 7% pay rise in 2023, like many people they have seen real-terms pay cut over the past 12 years. 

Police chiefs have asked the Government for officers to receive a 6% pay rise in 2024.
 
Officers are also struggling with low morale and lack of support, the survey found.  Ninety-four per cent of officers said they do not feel respected by the Government, and 48% said they were experiencing low morale.
 
Sixty-eight per cent of respondents from Lancashire Police said that they would not recommend joining the police to others and 64% said they do not feel valued within the service.
 
Chair of the Lancashire Police Federation, Zeg Awan said: “What this survey highlights is that the Government has consistently refused or chosen to ignore officers concerns over the past decade or so. 

“The service is underfunded in real terms, is under resourced and our officers feel unappreciated and unsupported by their Government. 

“This is resulting in officers being overworked, underpaid, and suffering a real detriment to their mental health and wellbeing. More than ever officers are considering leaving the job. This should be a wake-up call for the Government. You cannot run a world class service on a shoestring. 

“Chief Constables can only rearrange the deckchairs so many times before something gives. It is disrespectful to the people of Lancashire, who expect a first-class service from their Police, and it is disrespectful to the people expected to deliver the service. 

“I would ask if not now, then when will the Government be serious in investing in the Police? I would urge the government to work with the Federation and other policing partners to improve pay and conditions for officers and invest in Policing so we can have a fit and proper service for the 21st century.”
 
The report showed, with 13% having suffered one or more injuries that required medical attention as a result of work-related violence in the last year.

Only 11% of officers who responded reported having access to double crewing at all times whilst on duty.
 
Eighty-six per cent of respondents from Lancashire Police indicated that they had experienced feelings of stress, low mood, anxiety, or other difficulties with their health and wellbeing over the last 12 months, and 50% said that they find their job ‘very’ or ‘extremely’ stressful.