Over the last twelve months, the Commissioner has secured over £4m of external funding to help meet his priorities and make Lancashire safer.
This has included investment into the Violence Reduction Network, additional investment into support for victims, money to tackle local issues through two Safer Streets projects in the county, and money that has gone towards additional support for the work of Lancashire Constabulary.
During the last Police and Crime Panel of 2020/21, The Commissioner also outlined investments made from within his own budget, including the Community Action Fund, the Reducing Reoffending Fund which supports projects aimed at breaking the cycle of reoffending, and the establishment of a Youth Commission which will engage over 1,000 young people across Lancashire.
He also spoke about the impact that the Lancashire Volunteer Partnership, which he set up alongside public sector partners a little over four years ago, and Our Lancashire, the social action network Our Lancashire which he created at the end of 2019, have played to support people during Covid-19.
From the registration and coordination of volunteers who have taken on diverse roles such as befriending, supporting community hubs and playing an important role in the vaccination programme, to forming a bridge between public services and groups that were able to help the response effort, they have met the unprecedented challenge head on.
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw said:
“It has been twelve months like we have not experienced before, that has seen new challenges and a need to adapt to ensure that we continue to support the vital work we all care about, tackling crime and keeping people safe.
“I’m delighted that I have been able to bring in over £4m of additional investment into Lancashire to help meet the priorities in my Police and Crime Plan and support our work. From helping tackle crime and reoffending, supporting vulnerable people, to helping build strong, resilient and connected communities, I’m really pleased with the impact my office is having in delivering for the people of Lancashire.
“It has also reinforced the importance for properly funded policing, which is fair and reflects the needs of each force and area. It cannot be right that Lancashire is still set to be hundreds of officers worse off than 2010 whilst other areas will be better off, such as Surrey which will have around 100 officers more than a decade ago. We need proper assurances about how policing will be funded in the long term and a fair funding settlement that reflects the unique circumstances Lancashire faces as a police service to keep people safe.
“Many of the challenges that we face cannot be tackled by policing alone. The last year has shown the importance of partnership working, utilising the groups and organisations who have the knowledge and ability to make a difference. It is by working together, across the public sector and with charities and businesses, that we can continue to deliver for Lancashire.”
The Police and Panel agenda and report can be found here – https://democracy.blackburn.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=200&MId=3102&Ver=4
