Special Constables expenses and allowances 509/2025

FOI Reference: 509/25

Request 1 - 3:

Please could you provide details for the current tax year (2025/26 to date) and the previous four tax years (2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24 and 2024/25) on the following:

1. Travel and Sustenance Payments:

• The rates you pay for shifts including length of hours required to work for each rate.
• A breakdown of the types of expenses reimbursed (e.g. mileage, meals, accommodation).
• The rates applied for such reimbursements (e.g. mileage rate per mile).

2. Other Payments or Allowances:

• Any other payments, stipends, or allowances provided to Special Constables during these periods.
• The purpose of these payments (e.g. retention bonuses, uniform allowances, etc.).

3. Review Processes:

• How often your force reviews these payments or policies relating to Special Constables' expenses and allowances.
• The date of the most recent review and any planned future reviews.

Response 1:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

*Regulation 4(1) of the Special Constables Regulations 1965 provides that special constables may be paid out of pocket expenses reasonably incurred by them in the course of their duties or an allowance in lieu of such reimbursement.

The periods of retention for duty or engagement on duty after which a Special Constable becomes eligible to claim the subsistence allowance are as follows:

-           Over 4 hours but not exceeding 8 hours: up to £7.23

-           Over 8 hours but not exceeding 12 hours: up to £14.66

-           Over 12 hours: up to £24.15

*Travel expenses and subsistence allowance for retention

*Mileage rates are 45p per mile

Response 2:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

None.

Response 3:

I can confirm that Dyfed-Powys Police does hold the information requested, as outlined below.

Currently under review since the Home Office Circulars 12/2006 and 40/2005 have been superseded. The decision on expenses and allowances to be paid to special constables and conditions for such payments now lie with Chief Officers and Police and Crime Commissioners.                                               

It should be noted that as a result of the systems adopted by Dyfed-Powys Police in relation to the recording of such information that the information released may or may not be accurate.

(This is a response under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and disclosed on 02/06/2025)