Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has introduced a new car leasing scheme for staff and officers at Durham Constabulary to help with the rising cost of living. Announced on 30 April 2026, the programme allows employees to lease vehicles through a salary sacrifice arrangement, providing a way to manage essential travel expenses more affordably.
The scheme works by allowing workers at the Constabulary and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner to give up a portion of their gross salary before tax. This reduces the amount of Income Tax and National Insurance they pay. The initiative is run through BlueLight Commercial, a national organisation that manages procurement for emergency services, in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions. Since its launch, the programme has seen early interest, with over 25 vehicles ordered in the first three weeks.
Commissioner Joy Allen noted that the initiative is designed to provide extra financial support for the workforce. In addition to aiding staff, the scheme offers a benefit to the organisation itself, as each lease agreement can generate a reduction in employer National Insurance contributions of up to £750. This is part of a broader effort to ensure the force remains a competitive employer, helping to attract and keep staff.
Louise Guest, Chair of the Durham Police Federation, welcomed the new option. She stated that while such initiatives are not a substitute for fair pay, they play an important role in easing the financial burden on officers who face significant pressure due to the high cost of living.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
