Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Violence Reduction Units

Monday 22 March 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Home Office is working closely with the Treasury on the future funding of violence reduction units.
  • The government announced VRU funding of 35.5 million for the coming year, bringing the total investment to 105.5 million over three financial years.
  • The government is working towards a multi-year financial settlement for violence reduction units to allow for sustainable funding.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Alex Cunningham Lab
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The question addresses recent discussions between the Home Office and the Treasury regarding funding for violence reduction units (VRUs).

Question

What recent discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the adequacy of resources for violence reduction units.

Answer from Kit Malthouse

The Home Office is working closely with the Treasury on the future funding of violence reduction units. In February, we announced VRU funding of £35.5 million for the coming year, bringing the total investment to £105.5 million over three financial years.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions with the Chancellor and adequacy assessment

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Q2 Helen Hayes Lab Dulwich and West Norwood
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement Local Government
Context

The question addresses the piecemeal funding approach for violence reduction units (VRUs) and calls for long-term financial commitments.

Question

Why have the Government announced only piecemeal funding for violence reduction units, one year at a time, making it impossible to plan with certainty? When do they plan to embed the work of VRUs within mainstream long-term funding?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

We recognise the need to put VRUs on a sustainable funding basis, and we are working closely with Treasury colleagues. We hope for a multi-year financial settlement, which would allow us to move to that position. However, wider organisations also have roles in fighting violence.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Concrete commitment for multi-year funding settlement

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Q3 Alex Cunningham Lab
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The question highlights the insufficient police officer numbers in Cleveland compared to previous levels and calls for targeted funding.

Question

Even when the promised 150 police officers are recruited, Cleveland will still have 350 fewer police than in 2010. Unlike other areas, Cleveland has not received additional funds despite high violent crime rates. Will the Minister ensure Cleveland gets the support it needs?

Answer from Kit Malthouse

We have put significant extra funding into Cleveland police to deal with issues such as county lines drug problem. The overall UK policing spending is the largest in a decade, and we expect Cleveland to benefit soon from its strong chief constable.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment for additional funds targeting Cleveland's unique needs

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