WPCC3-0088 Allocation of MoJ funding for Sexual Violence and Domestic Abuse – 2023/24 and 2024/25

Decision Reference Number: WPC3-0088

Lead Officer: Sara Ansell

Chief Officer approval: N/A

Date: 30/03/2023

Status: Non-confidential

Decision summary:

To approve the allocation of funding to partners for Ministry of Justice (MOJ) general grant for improving domestic abuse and sexual violence victim services in Warwickshire, including additional Independent Sexual Violence (ISVA) and Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA).  Decision notice WPCC3-00663 approved the allocation of this funding from the MOJ in 2022/23.  Following the success of those grant awards, this decision seeks formal approval for the recommended allocations to partners in 2023/24 and 2024/25.

I confirm that my register of interests declaration is up to date and that none of my interests preclude me from making this decision.

Signature:  Philip Seccombe

Date: 17/04/23

Supporting information

1. Background information

Decision notice WPCC3-0062 and WPCC3-0063 both outline the history regarding additional ‘general grant’ funding awarded to the PCC for sexual violence and domestic abuse services for the period April 2022 to March 2025.  The funding was allocated in 2022/23 on a grant award basis following a comprehensive evaluation exercise.  The intention is to re-award the majority of this funding again in 2023/24 and 2024/25, excluding the sexual violence grants, where the services have been re-commissioned, and the funding has been incorporated into those newly commissioned services for the period until March 2025.

The direct award grant allocations for both years (2023/24 and 2024/25) are outlined in the table below for each separate funding stream.  Should the availability of funding from the MOJ vary, the allocations will also need to be amended, but this is not anticipated.

The total amount of funding to be allocated across these three funding streams each year is £677,145.

The PCC will be required to comply with the MOJ grant conditions and will passport this criterion to partners in the terms and conditions for their individual grant allocation.  The performance of the projects and outcome from the spending will be monitored throughout the year and reported in line with the MOJ grant requirements.

2. List of additional information attached as appendices

None

3. Expected benefits

The purpose of awarding this MOJ funding to our partners will help to sustain and increase the number of advisors and the support services provided to victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse, thus reducing backlogs and improving service delivery.

4. Impact of not approving the application

Not pursuing and achieving the PCC’s goal of improving services for victims, particularly those as a result of sexual violence and domestic abuse

5. Costs (including any identified savings)

All the funding received from the MOJ will be passported directly to partners to increase the number of ISVA/CHISVA, IDVA/CHIDVA’s and other support services in Warwickshire.  The PCC must comply with the agreed grant conditions from the MOJ. All financial details are included within this decision notice.

6. Equality considerations

The service is free at the point of delivery and open to anyone needing support in Warwickshire.

7. Legal comments

The funding received by the OPCC must be used in accordance with the MOJ grant agreement.  Partner organisations must agree to the terms and conditions prior to receiving payment.  All relevant award notices, exemption notices and due diligence will be prepared, based on the advice received.

8. Social or Environmental considerations

Ensure the relevant policies are in place and followed.

9. Publication

Information in this form is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOI Act) and other legislation.  Unless the information provided is covered by an exemption and stated to be either confidential or partly confidential, the information contained in the form will be published on the OPCC website.

Comments from the Treasurer

All spending will be financed from the additional funding receivable from the MOJ.  And the allocations have been made following a re-evaluation of the needs assessment in 2022/23, to ensure the best value for money from the award can be achieved.  The allocations to partners will be made on an grants basis for the two year period, but spending will need to have been incurred by the end of each respective financial year. All governance and due diligence checks will be undertaken with the grant recipients, who must comply with the grant conditions and terms and conditions outlined.  Monitoring of the recipient’s performance will be undertaken during the course of the year and data will also be submitted to the MOJ in accordance with their reporting requirements.

This money is much needed and would not have been forthcoming without the needs assessment submissions made to the MOJ in 2022/23 and the partnership working that has been undertaken.  It will assist in meeting the priorities laid out in the Police and Crime Plan.

Comments from the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer

The MOJ funding is essential and will support both the effectiveness and efficiency of victim’s services that are delivered, whilst meeting increased demand.  This ensures that service users receive a responsive and timely service, supporting that of the PCCs vision to improve victims’ services.