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Publication - Advice and guidance

Public sector pay policy for Chief Executives: 2025-2026

Published
16 December 2025
From
Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government, +2 more … Minister for Public Finance, Public Spending Director
Directorate
Public Spending Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector
ISBN
9781806435685

Public sector pay policy for chief executives for the year 2025 to 2026 sets out the framework for pay increases and applies to chief executives with settlement dates in the year between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026.

Part of

View supporting documents Supporting documents

Pay parameters and limits for 2025-26

The following pay parameters and limits for Chief Executive pay are applicable from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026.

  • Full cost of pay award must be shown to be affordable within budget settlements.
  • Basic pay uplift is within a capped limit of 4% for 2025-26 for Chief Executives.
  • Pay progression is limited to a maximum of 2.5% for Chief Executives.
  • Maintains the suspension of non-consolidated payments (bonuses).

Contact

Email: publicsectorpaypolicy@gov.scot

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