The government is rolling back planned pay increases for members of the RCMP by 0.5 per cent over the next two years, CTV News has learned.

The Mounties were expecting pay increases of 2 per cent in 2009 and 2010 as well as a 1.5 per cent market adjustment in 2009. Instead the pay increases are being decreased to 1.5 per cent and there will be no market adjustment.

Commissioner William Elliott broke the news to the force members in an email sent Friday afternoon.

"We have now been advised that on December 11, 2008, (the) Treasury Board modified its previous decision dated June 19, 2008, on RCMP member's compensation by amending the rates of pay for the second and third years of the most recent three-year compensation arrangement to limit the previously approved increase to 1.5 per cent," Elliott wrote.

"I know you will be disappointed at this development."

Sources told CTV that cabinet was not informed of the Treasury Board decision. The Conservatives are worried that the decision could blow back on them since many police officers are believed to be Tory supporters.

Under Canadian law the RCMP cannot engage in collective bargaining and pay is determined by the Treasury Board. According to the RCMP website, a constable with three-years experience is paid $74,539 a year.

The force is planning to hire 1,700 new cadets each year for the next few years as many officers are hitting retirement age. In June, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that RCMP cadets would start being paid for their 24 weeks of training in an effort to entice recruits.