SURREY’S Police and Crime Commissioner has called on the Government to commit to future funding for organisations supporting Surrey’s most vulnerable people.
Speaking on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, which takes place today, November 25, Lisa Townsend said services are facing a funding cliff-edge.
Currently, the Government has not confirmed its funding for some services past March 2026.
Among the services waiting for news is Steps To Change, which aims to tackle domestic abuse, stalking and controlling and coercive behaviour by changing perpetrators’ behaviour.
Meanwhile, this month it was announced that the Police and Crime Commissioner role will be abolished. Lisa supports services across the county through her dedicated funding streams.
Earlier this year, Lisa stepped in to support the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC) in Guildford, which faced an £80,000 real-terms funding drop this year. The Commissioner increased her funding to the service to prevent redundancies.
But she warned that without the Government’s immediate commitment to sustainable funding into the future, other vital support services may be shuttered.
Lisa said: “As we mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, I call on the Government to commit to funding the organisations that support Surrey’s most vulnerable residents.
Commissioner’s concern
“Today, I have joined services from across Surrey at a forum in Guildford.
“I have heard how unsettling this ongoing uncertainty is for those who support victims of sexual violence, house veterans and work with children exploited into criminality.
“This sector is the backbone of the criminal justice system, providing high-quality services fundamental to adults and children when the very worst crime imaginable happens to them.
“And yet, they are now teetering on the brink of a funding cliff-edge.
“Cliff-edge”
“We must not see these services close their doors due to insufficient or restricted funding.
“Preventing violence against women and girls is a key priority, both for myself and for Chief Constable Tim De Meyer, and it is a national emergency requiring a society-wide response.
“I urge the Government to provide further clarity and reassurance.”