Secretary of State for Justice (): I am today announcing my
decision on pay for the judiciary.
I value the Senior Salaries Review Body's (SSRB) expertise and
independent advice in recommending a judicial pay award which
reflects the important role that the judiciary play across the
justice system. When making my decision, I have carefully
considered the SSRB's advice alongside the financial implications
for my department.
The SSRB recommended a pay award of 3.8% for all judicial office
holders within the remit group for 2026/27. I have decided to
reject this recommendation, and instead a 3.5% judicial pay award
will be applied equally to all judicial office holders for whom I
have responsibility, from April 2026. I highly value the
important work carried out by the judiciary in upholding the rule
of law. I have therefore prioritised funding to provide an award
1.5% higher than the 2% affordability set out in published
evidence, but this has required tough choices within the
departments spending plans. This approach carefully weighs the
SSRB's recommendations against the affordability constraints of
my department, as well as the wider pressures on public finances.
The SSRB highlighted their concern over the persistent
recruitment and retention issues affecting parts of the judiciary
when making this recommendation. I share these concerns. The
Major Review of the Judicial Salary Structure is the right place
to address these issues through targeted reform, and presents
better value than the flat rate pay uplift of the annual pay
review. I look forward to continuing to work with the SSRB on the
Major Review and receiving their report later this year.
I am committed to strengthening our world-class judiciary. I have
already announced in December a record investment in sitting
days, court buildings, technology and legal professionals. I hope
this increase reflects the high value I place on their
independence and commitment to the delivery of justice and the
rule of law.
The SSRB's report will be presented to Parliament and published
on Gov.uk.
