METFRIENDLY SURVEY FINDINGS ALARMING INSIGHTS
Metfriendly’s Police Family Finance Index 2025 reveals concerning insights into the financial wellbeing of UK police officers and staff. The report
highlights significant financial stress, impacting mental health and daily life, and underscores urgent calls for government action to address these issues
The latest Police Family Finance Index (PFFI) survey by Metfriendly, conducted between September 2024 and January 2025, has unveiled concerning insights into the financial wellbeing of police officers and staff across the UK. With 10,648 responses, the survey, supported by the Police Federation and other stakeholders, aimed to highlight key themes around financial health and provide guidance for financial wellbeing and support. Police Federation of
England and Wales (PFEW) Acting National Chair, Tiff Lynch, expressed deep concern over the findings: “Metfriendly’s independent research supports what the Police Federation has been telling the
the Government.” PFEW Acting Deputy National
Chair, Brian Booth, added: “The survey highlights the ongoing financial struggles faced by our members and their broader impacts on wellbeing. The cost-of-living crisis continues to affect housing costs, daily life, and mental health, leading many to consider leaving the police service. Addressing these issues is crucial for the wellbeing and retention of police officers and staff.”
since the previous PFFI survey, many families still face significant cost-of-living pressures driven by lower-than-inflation pay settlements, increased mortgage rates, utility bill hikes, council tax rises, and other financial burdens. The ability to feed themselves and their families remains a critical issue.
“Should the ability to access overtime be unavailable due to injury or illness, many families will be severely impacted in a short time.”
Government about the hardships police officers face due to pay degradation and eroding working conditions. The Government’s refusal to take corrective measures, despite mounting evidence, is shocking. These findings demonstrate the significant impact on the mental health and wellbeing of officers and their families due to financial hardship. We will intensify our campaign for fair police pay and demand urgent remedial steps from
42 | POLICE | APRIL | 2025
KEY FINDINGS FINANCIAL CONCERNS AND MENTAL HEALTH IMPACT The survey paints a stark picture: 64 per cent of police officers and 47 per cent of police staff reported current financial concerns, with 55 per cent of officers and 51 per cent of staff experiencing high levels of stress. Despite a slight easing in inflation and interest rates
HOUSING COSTS AND FINANCIAL RESILIENCE Housing costs have surged, particularly for those coming off fixed-rate mortgage deals. Some officers are moving further away from their place of work to afford housing, incurring increased travel time and costs. Easy access to loans and salary advance solutions, sometimes promoted by employers, may
mask the financial pressures faced by many. Many officers are using their retirement lump sum to clear debt accumulated during their career rather than as a foundation for their future.
IMPACT ON DAILY LIFE The survey highlights a worrying lack of financial resilience among police families. Should the ability to access overtime be unavailable due to injury or illness, many
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