West Midlands PCC warns government against funding cuts to violence prevention
Simon Foster emphasises the need for long-term investment to combat violence
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Simon Foster has appealed to the government to ensure sustainable and long-term investment in violence prevention, amid concerns over planned funding reductions.
Speaking at the National Violence Reduction Unit Directors’ Conference held in Birmingham on 16th September, Foster expressed his apprehension regarding the government's proposal to cut funding for Violence Reduction Partnerships (VRPs) by a third.
He stressed that despite the government's acknowledgement of the crucial role VRPs play in the effort to halve knife crime and enhance street safety, the reduction in funding could jeopardise these efforts.
Foster voiced his concerns, stating that without ongoing and adequate investment, the progress made towards preventing and tackling youth violence and knife crime might not be sustained or improved.
He asserted, "We need a commitment from government to long term and sustainable investment in violence prevention. Short term, uncertain, and reduced funding will adversely impact our ability to attract and retain staff which adversely impacts our ability to commission and deliver quality services – which are so important for our most vulnerable children."
Highlighting the achievements of the West Midlands VRP and nationwide Violence Reduction Units, Foster underscored the significance of prevention, early intervention, and diversion strategies, which he said have proven effective.
Foster concluded by urging the government to reconsider its plans and commit to lasting investment in these crucial initiatives.
A Home Office spokesperson said:
“We are committed to halving knife crime and tackling serious violence, having already brought knife-related killings to their lowest level in 35 years.
“We have maintained £66 million of investment in Violence Reduction Units this year, and funding decisions for future years have not yet been finalised.”