Decision Log 045/2020 – Coronavirus Support Fund

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey – Decision Making Record

Report Title: Coronavirus Support Fund

Decision number: 045/2020

Author and Job Role: Craig Jones – Commissioning & Policy Lead for CJ

Protective Marking: OFFICIAL

Executive Summary: The PCC has made available an additional £500,000 to support existing providers with their additional costs caused as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic

Background

The following organisation has applied for assistance from the Coronavirus Support Fund;

Surrey County Council (Public Health) – CJS Substance Misuse Service – sum requested £52,871*

The system and individual pressures as a result of COVID 19 both within the local CJS and national lockdown pressures in prisons and courts has resulted in an increased risk to those residents who have found it the most difficult to confront their offending and drug and alcohol misuse behaviour. They are a small cohort in the overall population who tend to have difficulty in engagement with treatment, health risks including blood borne virus infection, harm or death from overdose and repeat offences resulting in custodial sentences.

Drivers

  • Increased CJS population as a result of Prison early prison release scheme. (National)
  • Delay in court operation during COVID-19 lockdown resulting an increased CJS population with treatment needs. (National)
  • Increased risks of drug misuse deaths; primarily opioid overdose, as drug market re-establishes during lockdown relaxation or end. (Local)
  • The local evidence base from the “Access Project” (2004 -2006) in NW Surrey which demonstrated the effectiveness of integrated treatment and CJS system for service user outcomes. (Local)

The proposal is for two agency WTE band 6 workers to work in the CJS settings i.e. probation offices etc. to deliver a service specifically for Integrated Offender Management (IOM) clients in Surrey.

*The actual cost of this service is £112,871 for 12 months but funding will be sourced as follows;

Coronavirus Fund – £52,871

Reducing Reoffending Fund – £25000

Community Safety Fund – £15000

Surrey Police (S27 funds) – £10000

National probation service – £10000

Recommendation:

That the Police & Crime Commissioner awards the sum requested to the above mentioned organisation totalling £52,871 from the Coronavirus Support Fund and approves a further £40,000 to be utilised from the Reducing reoffending and Community safety Funds (to be transferred to the Coronavirus Support Fund).

Police and Crime Commissioner Approval

I approve the recommendation(s):

Signature: David Munro (wet signature on hard copy)

Date: 16th October 2020

All decisions must be added to the decision register.

Areas of consideration

Consultation

Consultation has taken place with appropriate lead officers depending on the application. All applications have been asked to supply evidence of any consultation and community engagement.

Financial implications

All applications have been asked to confirm the organisation hold accurate financial information. They are also asked to include the total costs of the project with breakdown where the money will be spent; any additional funding secured or applied for and plans for on-going funding. The Community Safety Fund Decision Panel/ Community Safety and Victims policy officers considers the financial risks and opportunities when looking at each application.

Legal

Legal advice is taken on an application by application basis.

Risks

The Community Safety Fund Decision Panel and policy officers considers any risks in the allocation of funding. It is also part of the process to consider when refusing an application the service delivery risks if appropriate.

Equality and diversity

Each application will be requested to supply appropriate equality and diversity information as part of the monitoring requirements. All applicants are expected to adhere to the Equality Act 2010

Risks to human rights

Each application will be requested to supply appropriate human rights information as part of the monitoring requirements. All applicants are expected to adhere to the Human Rights Act.