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The warning has been issued to the prime minister that his goal of halving violence against women and girls will not be achieved without substantial investment in support services, as indicated by two high-ranking government watchdogs. This unique joint communication was sent to Sir Keir Starmer by Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales Dame Nicole Jacobs and Victims Commissioner for England and Wales Baroness Newlove. They highlighted the strain on victim support services due to funding cuts and escalating costs.
Aside from this concern, senior police chiefs in the country have also alerted Sir Keir Starmer that they will have to face difficult decisions on which crimes to prioritize for investigation if their budgets are slashed. Negotiations between the Home Office and the Treasury are still ongoing regarding the allocation of funds in the upcoming spending review. The commissioners emphasized to Sir Keir the importance of shaping the government’s legacy for victims and survivors during this review.
The letter outlined the commissioners’ appreciation for the prime minister’s personal pledge to halve violence against women and girls within ten years, but expressed worry over the impact of reduced funding and diminished ambition. They asserted that significant investment is essential to combat the pervasive issue of violence and abuse effectively. Metropolitan Police chief Sir Mark Rowley has also voiced his apprehensions about potential cuts, cautioning against a regression to the reduced police numbers of the austerity era.
Senior figures in law enforcement, including Sir Mark, National Police Chiefs’ Council head Gavin Stephens, and National Crime Agency (NCA) chief Graeme Biggar, conveyed their concerns directly to the PM about the substantial repercussions of budget decisions. They highlighted the risk of reverting to an austerity-like state, emphasizing the necessity of additional investment to avoid adverse consequences. The letter emphasized how previous funding levels have not kept pace with demand, leaving little flexibility within the police services, potentially leading to difficult choices about which crimes to prioritize
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