Key information
Reference code: DMPCD 2015 107
Date signed:
Decision by: Stephen Greenhalgh, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime
Executive summary
In his manifesto, the Mayor pledged to guarantee funding for London’s four Rape Crisis Centres (RCCs). In order to fulfil these commitments, in January 2014 the DMPC agreed decision DMPCD 2014 – 04 approving the allocation of £1,260,000 per year, for two years to support four Rape Crisis Centres in London until March 2016. This decision included an option to extend the grant agreements for up to 12 months, enabling continued service until March 2017.
In addition, the Mayor’s refreshed VAWG strategy also contains a commitment to ensuring continued funding for London’s three Havens (Sexual Assault Referral Centres) in partnership with NHS England (London). The budget for this provision was transferred from the MPS to MOPAC in 2014/15.
Given the increase in demand for services and the inherent risks of shutting valuable services if the Havens and Rape Crisis Centres were decommissioned at this point, this decision report seeks approval to extend the funding and grant arrangements for both services up to March 2017.
Alongside this, and in order to deliver against the Police and Crime Plan commitment to create a sustainable funding model for the Rape Crisis Centres in London beyond 2016, MOPAC intends to co-commission a joint sexual violence needs assessment with NHS England, London region. . The assessment will underpin a new commissioning strategy and sustainable funding model for sexual violence services in London. This decision seeks approval of £40,000 as a MOPAC contribution to this needs assessment.
Recommendation
That the DMPC approve:
1. The release of £1,260,000 to continue the funding and extend current commissioning arrangements for the four separate service providers of rape crisis centres in London for up to 12 months, April 2016 – March 2017.
2. The release of £4,330,000 to continue funding of the three Haven Centres in London for up to 24 months, April 2015 – March 2017.
3. The release of £40,000 to fund the sexual violence needs assessment alongside NHSE which will inform future funding and commissioning.
4. Delegation of authority to sign individual grant or contract agreements relating to the work, to the Chief Operating Officer.
Non-confidential facts and advice to the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime (DMPC)
Please refer to PDF below for details.
Signed decision document
DMPCD 2015 107