Delegates at the Police Federation’s Annual Conference have voted to introduce a £2 per month increase in member subscriptions from 1 January 2026. This will take the gross monthly rate from £24.31 to £26.31.

In addition, the current student officer 50% discount will end, meaning that from 1 January 2026 all new members joining the Federation will contribute at a single standard rate from their first day of membership. There will be no change to the rate for current student officers.

Motions proposing the subscription fee increase and ending the student officer discount passed with heavy majorities after voting at the Federation's AGM on 18 November.

Why the change is being made

We know cost of living pressures continue to bite, and no one welcomes paying more. But maintaining the current rate is no longer sustainable if we are to protect, represent and support members in the way they expect and deserve.

Subscriptions have only risen twice in the past decade. In that time, we’ve absorbed rising costs, delivered more than £1 million in annual savings through restructuring, and continued to secure significant outcomes for members. 

Demand for our legal and welfare support continues to grow rapidly. Case volumes have risen by almost a third in three years, and this year alone we’ve secured more than £41 million in compensation for members. The cost of expert legal representation and specialist welfare services continues to increase at pace.

What the £2 increase will deliver

The increase is expected to generate around £3.36 million a year. This funding will help us to:

• Protect and strengthen core legal and welfare services, fighting on more fronts to deliver more for members
• A new victims and witnesses support programme, standing up to inappropriate and illegal workplace behaviour.
• Increase the impact of our campaigning on pay, conditions and wellbeing

Ending the student officer discount

The discounted rate for student officers, while well-intentioned, generates less than 0.3% of our total income. Our data also shows that newer officers often rely most heavily on Federation support.
Moving to one fair rate for all ensures consistency, sustainability and equal access to the same level of protection and support from day one.

Looking ahead

Our role is to stand beside you on your toughest days, in the moments that matter most, and in the national debates shaping the future of policing. These changes are about securing the Federation’s ability to do that, not just now but for the long term.