Local Issues / Special Priority Payments

Merseyside Police Federation opposed the introduction of Special Priority Payments, which has been the single most divisive payment introduced into the Police Service. They were reluctantly accepted as part of a package that delivered additional re-numeration to all Police Officers and protected overtime payments for the ranks of Constable and Sergeants. However, as anticipated and outlined to the Government at the time, Special Priority payments have undermined teamwork and brought resentment to the majority in the service who cannot receive payment.

Initially Merseyside Joint Branch Board had no input into the scheme, which in turn led locally to the creation of the Champions Scheme with only 22% receiving this payment. Our comprehensive research into the Champions Scheme showed that it was universally unpopular, even with those receiving payment.

Merseyside Joint Branch Board has sought to ensure that special priority payments are made as fairly as possible by engaging in the process with stated aims of:

1. Requesting that payment be made to as many as possible under the agreement i.e. 40%
2. Requesting that all payments go to front line operational staff
3. Requesting that all payments be post specific and should not involve a bureaucratic application form
4. Maintaining that the decision for posts receiving payment should be that of the Chief Officer Group alone without input from the Police Federation.

Merseyside Police Federations stated position is that we do not believe that we can be involved in the selection of individual posts to receive payment and that this decision should be that of the Chief Officer Group alone. Under the current scheme, where only a minority of Police Officers can receive payment, to be involved in the identification of posts would automatically involve us in the de-selection of other deserving individuals who are also Federated members. Merseyside Police Federation are of a view that significantly more than 40% of officers are directly engaged in front Line Operational Policing and therefore should be eligible for payment. As outlined this is not permissible at this moment in time under the terms imposed upon us.

It is the contention of Merseyside Joint Branch Board that the restrictions imposed by the Home Office acts as a disincentive to many individuals. It is our view that Special Priority Payments should be abolished and the money currently expended incorporated into overall pensionable pay. It is our policy to continue to seek the abolition of these payments, and in the interim period until this is achieved, the continued extension of the 40% limit to ensure all officers engaged in front line operational policing receive this additional remuneration.