THOUSANDS of West Midlands Police staff and PCSOs are set to be given an extra one per cent pay rise on top of their already planned wage increase.

West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner David Jamieson announced 3,758 staff members will be in line for the two per cent overall rise – putting the increase on par with what was given to the force’s officers by the government last month.

Mr Jamieson said: “Just like officers, staff and PCSOs play a hugely important role keeping the region safe and deserve the same treatment. That is why I am taking tough decisions to ensure they receive a pay rise too.

“Emergency call handlers make life and death decisions, it is regretful that the government fails to see them as 'frontline' workers.

“I regret this announcement doesn’t allow me to raise pay in line with inflation for staff, PCSOs and officers, however this shows how much I value the work all our workforce does.”

He added: “I am sure the public will back my decision to ensure fairness across the workforce.”

The PCC, which has already announced recruitment of 800 officers, 200 specialist staff and 150 PCSOs to stabilise police numbers, plans to increase council tax by £5 next year to pay for PCSO and staff pay rises after last year’s £5 tax netted £4.7 million.

The public will be consulted on the proposed council tax increase later this year as the PCC formally seeks the views of the West Midlands Police and Crime Panel in the New Year.