Merseyside Police's most senior officers received significant salary increases in the latest financial year, even as the force was compelled to make over £3.5 million in savings. New police accounts reviewed by the ECHO reveal that total remuneration for the force's top brass—including the chief constable, deputy chief constable, assistant chief constables, and director of resources—rose by more than £383,000 year-on-year, reaching £2.29 million.
Chief Constable Salaries and Pensions
Former Chief Constable Serena Kennedy, who retired in September 2025, earned over £218,000 in salary, nearly £76,000 in pension contributions, and a £19,000 car allowance in the prior year, totalling £315,625. In the last financial year, she still received total remuneration exceeding £158,000. Her successor, Chief Constable Rob Carden, who assumed the role in September, was paid a salary of £121,600 plus nearly £43,000 in pension contributions, bringing his total package to £164,540. Combined, the two top officers cost the public purse over £322,500—nearly double the UK prime minister's salary of around £172,000.
PCC Emily Spurrell's Pay Also Rises
Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Emily Spurrell also saw her pay increase. In the 2024-2025 financial year, she earned total remuneration of £104,105, including pension contributions. The following year, her wage and pension contributions rose to just over £108,000. Responding to the figures, Ms Spurrell stated: 'The remuneration of police and crime commissioners, alongside that of chief police officers, is determined nationally by the home secretary following recommendations from the senior salaries review body.' She added: 'Since being elected, and subsequently re-elected, I have remained fully committed to transparency and accountability... My focus continues to be on delivering safer communities, supporting victims and securing additional investment for our region. Since taking office in 2021, I have successfully secured around £23m in additional funding for crime prevention initiatives and victim support services across Merseyside.'
Force Staffing and Wider Salary Bands
As of March this year, Merseyside Police employed 6,684 people, including 4,207 police officers, 2,279 police staff, and 198 police community support officers. The accounts also show that 2,674 employees—excluding senior officers—earned £50,000 or more. Among them, three earned between £115,001 and £120,000, one earned between £120,001 and £125,000, and one earned between £125,001 and £130,000. The accounts do not specify the names, ranks, or roles of these individuals.
Budget Challenges and Future Risks
The police budget for the previous year, totalling approximately £470 million, was primarily funded by the general police grant, Home Office allocations, and council tax. Almost all of this budget was spent on salaries and pension funds for officers and staff, with around £7.5 million allocated to buildings, vehicles, forensics, uniforms, and IT. The accounts highlight an overall savings requirement of £9.025 million, stating: 'This is a position that will continue to provide significant challenges for the PCC and the chief constable's ability to balance the budget without impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of the force.' The introduction notes that 'every endeavour has been made to accommodate all known cost pressures,' but some are beyond control and could create future risk. 'Of immediate concern is the potential outcome of the 2026 pay award; the Police Remuneration Review Body is currently undertaking its annual review and is expected to make its recommendations to the home secretary in the autumn.' The PCC added that a 3% increase for police staff is expected, but anything above that level would 'lead to a cost pressure, as well as have an impact on 2027/28 and beyond.'
