Halving violence against women and girls will require more cash, watchdogs say
A major spending review set to be announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves next week will decide budgets for government departments for years to come.
Two senior government watchdogs have written to the Prime Minister to say those plans must include more funding for helping victims and survivors.
Dame Nicole Jacobs, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales, and Baroness Newlove, the Victims Commissioner for England and Wales, were behind the letter.
According to BBC News, they wrote that with 'bold and ambitious investment, we can finally tackle the systemic stain of violence and abuse' and the 'cost of inaction is one this country can no longer afford'.
They warned that 'piecemeal policies' were being caused by 'funding cuts and scaled back ambition'.
The Home Office, which is responsible for victims, is reportedly still in negotiations with the Treasury over its funding deal in the review.
Yesterday, Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips pointed to extra investment in County Lines operations as she announced a plan to outlaw coerced internal concealment.
Funding for the police, also controlled by the Home Office, has come under the microscope in recent days with Metropolitan Police head Sir Mark Rowley writing to the PM to express his concerns.
In his letter, he warned any budget cuts would have 'far-reaching consequences'.
Asked about his intervention, Reeves said: 'We will be increasing spending on police in the spending review next week, so that's not a decision or a choice that I would recognise.' More Trending
Campaign group End Violence Against Women said on Monday they are 'yet to see any detail' on how the government's commitment to halving violence against women and girls will be measured.
The coalition, which has worked with Metro on the This Is Not Right campaign, said: 'We need a plan from the top that sets out clearly how the government intends to tackle this national crisis.'
Earlier today, Reeves tried to temper expectations ahead of her announcement next Wednesday by saying there were 'good things I've had to say no to'.
The Chancellor said: 'Not every department will get everything that they want next week and I have had to say no to things that I want to do too.'
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
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