Vera Baird welcomes £20m for domestic abuse work

Tyne Tees
Vera Baird
Thursday 9 March 2017 at 10:04am

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird DBE QC Credit: Vera Baird QC

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Vera Baird DBE QC, has welcomed yesterday’s [budget announcement that £20 million will be made available to address domestic violence and abuse](Funds to tackle domestic violence and help mothers http://www.itv.com/news/update/2017-03-08/funds-to-tackle-domestic-violence-and-help-mothers/). She has, however, called for a long-term funding strategy.

"A lump sum of cash is, of course, welcome and will help improve and strengthen specialist services available to victims of abuse. However, we need a long-term commitment - not a temporary fix. Yes, a one-off cash boost will help but it doesn't provide the steady financial security needed ,When divided between the 43 police forces across England and Wales, the funds won't go far, let alone if they are divided across local authorities. "I absolutely admire Theresa May's commitment to tackling domestic abuse. We are on opposite sides of the political spectrum but she has kept true to this issue throughout her period in government. However, the Government needs to present a future proof strategy designed to ensure these services, and those who need them, aren't at risk. We need a process whereby continuous funding is granted to each local authority for allocating to support services as deemed appropriate. After years of uncertainty we need to see the Government deliver a solution that truly reflects its stated intention to prioritise and protect victims of abuse."

Budget 2017: Updates and analysis