Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has today welcomed measures announced by the Home Office around the level and transparency of chief police officers’ pay and perks.
Matthew Ellis is, however, adamant that it must apply to all public officials including across other emergency services.
Mr Ellis led the way in this area back in 2014. He negotiated the removal of private health insurance, paid for by taxpayers, for the Chief Officer team and a chauffeur and other perks also went at that time.
Even the car allowance, previously set by the former Police Authority at £11,500 each year, has been slashed by a third.
Today Mr Ellis said he was pleased the Home Office was now implementing the need for greater transparency on pay and perks throughout Forces in England and Wales.
‘Transparency and what seems fair is key when spending public money. Back in 2013 I was surprised at the arrangements in place,’ he said.
‘Whilst there are still national regulations in place that require negotiation on some of these perks, rather than simple removal by PCCs, the words from the Home Office are welcome. I hope more areas of the country will look at this closely.
‘Chief Officers and their teams do exceptionally difficult jobs and as far as I’m concerned deserve appropriate remuneration.
‘They get paid significantly less than many senior managers elsewhere in the public sector, including local authorities and other blue light services. But transparency must go along with appropriate pay levels.’
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