§ Lord Brougham and Vauxasked Her Majesty's Government:
What decisions they have reached on the recommendations made by the Police Negotiating Board for changes to pay structures, pay levels, overtime and allowances for the police service.
§ Lord AnnalyMy right honourable friend received the Police Negotiating Board's recommendations at the beginning of April and the Secretaries of State for the home departments have considered them carefully. The recommendations included proposals for constables and sergeants, inspectors, superintendents and chief officer ranks. We accept the board's recommendations for constables and sergeants: these will be implemented with effect from 1 September.
The board has now put forward further proposals which take account of the decision which my right honourable friend announced on 26 April that the rank of chief inspector should be retained. We are now studying these proposals and looking again at those for the more senior ranks in the light of them.
My right honourable friend hopes to announce shortly decisions in relation to the ranks of inspector and above.