Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Sexual Violence Support Services Funding 2026-02-24

2026-02-24

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Calum Miller Lib Dem
Bicester and Woodstock
▸ Context
The MP is concerned about the adequacy of health-related funding for specialised sexual violence support services in his constituency.
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of health-related funding for specialist sexual violence support services?
Wes Streeting
The Prime Minister prioritises tackling violence against women and girls across all government sectors, including the NHS. GPs will be supported to identify, support, and refer victims to specialist services through training and a dedicated support worker per GP practice. An additional £5 million is allocated for victim support services, with up to £50 million funding specialist services for child sexual abuse victims.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific assessment requested about the adequacy of current funding was not directly addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Calum Miller Lib Dem
Bicester and Woodstock
▸ Context
The MP visited Survivor Space in Oxford, a centre providing support to victims of sexual violence. He highlighted concerns about long wait times for counselling sessions and the inability of some survivors to access NHS mental health services without prior counselling.
Visiting Survivor Space, I was shocked to learn that victims may wait up to two years for a counselling session and some cannot access NHS mental health services until they have had counselling from this centre. Does the Secretary of State agree no survivor should wait so long for treatment, and will he or one of his Ministers meet me and representatives of Survivor Space to discuss dedicated healthcare funding?
Wes Streeting
I agree with the hon. Member; voluntary sector support is critical but does not excuse the NHS from its duties. My Department recognises the responsibility of investing in services for victims, and I will ensure that a meeting takes place to discuss further funding needs.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The specific issue of long wait times was acknowledged without committing to addressing it directly.
Response accuracy