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Low-paid police officers ‘forced to use food banks’

Police officers are reportedly resorting to using food banks as they struggle to live on their current wages.

Matt Webb, the chairman of the Sussex Police Federation, claimed that several officers have been forced to visit food banks this year, while others were given vouchers to help.

Starting salaries in Sussex are in the region of £20,000 but Mr Webb said that this was not enough to cope with high living costs.

He told The Argus: “It is not right that police officers, who are prevented by law from having a second job, are finding it hard to make ends meet.

“I believe a couple of officers have gone to food banks and we have helped a small number of people with food vouchers.”

Mr Webb’s comments come after Home Secretary Amber Rudd was told that officers across the country were resorting to food banks across the country.

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Reacting to her Ms Rudd’s comments about wages at the Police Federation conference in Birmingham last week, Mr Webb added: “It seems to be unfortunately a refusal to see the facts.”

Ms Rudd, who is fighting to defend her seat in Hastings and Rye in the upcoming General Election, took over from Prime Minister Theresa May to become Home Secretary.

She has been rumoured as a possible replacement for Philip Hammond as Chancellor if the Tories win the election.

Top pic: Rex