Voluntary Fund Subscriptions

Why has the PFNI Voluntary Fund Contribution increased?

After 10 years of no increase in contributions from 2010-2020 it was clear that an increase was required to ensure the financial sustainability of the Voluntary Fund going forward. Having year on year deficits was simply unsustainable.

Legal fees for on and off duty criminal cases, misconduct/gross misconduct matters, ill health retirements, Judicial Reviews, remain the largest expenditure from the PFNI Voluntary Fund: 

• 2022 83% YTD
• 2021 69% [COVID will have had an impact on this figure]
• 2020 34% [COVID will have had an impact on this figure]
• 2019 62%
• 2018 113%

Without recruitment the void left by officers leaving remains.  Long term investments have been producing losses and reduced returns. This impacts our available funds dramatically. 

The cost of paying our staff and running the PFNI office is also taken from the Voluntary Fund.  These costs, too, have inevitably risen.

It is our clear intention to continue to provide the high level of support to our members and unfortunately this can only be done by ensuring our finances are in a position to enable us to do so.

The process to address year on year began in 2020. This year the cost of living was considered and at Conference it was voted upon and agreed that the rise would be capped at a maximum of 10%.  Inflation in 2022 has already risen higher than this, therefore this was the right decision to maintain our services for our members.

The current subscription is £23.70 therefore adding 10% increases the sub to £26.07, an uplift of £2.37. 

As the subscription is tax deductible, the additional cost to a basic rate taxpayer will be £1.89 per month (80% of £2.37).