Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director for Community and Children’s Services.

SC said that the Terms of Reference and the way in which POCA funding was allocated/assessed had been reviewed. The work around POCA funding was firmly aligned to the priorities of the SCP.

SC explained that they were currently sat on POCA funds circa £310,000. £110,00 had been allocated in 2023.

He said that an expression of interest for Home Office Funding had been put forward for the expansion of Community Patrolling. They had received a reduced allocation from the previous year which had triggered an interest to make up that amount elsewhere.

CS explained that there had been a successful bid to the Home Office from the Safer Streets Fund. There was an agreement in principle with the Home Office that the additional money from the Safer Streets Fund could be used to make up for the loss in funding for Community Patrolling.

SC said that next year, they would have £1 million of Grip funding from the Home Office. This would allow for a uniformed presence to tackle Serious Violence and ASB.

Another £500,000 would be allocated for Immediate Justice Initiatives. A conversation would be had with the CoLP about how this would be deployed. 

DR said that there was still some streamlining required for the POCA funding process. He asked for a clear definition of a ‘year’ in terms of POCA funding, whether this was fiscal, calendar, or a year from the date of application.

SC said that if the board could demonstrate that they were allocating money wisely, it could help make the case for a request for further resources.

OUTCOME: POCA Funding Request Withdrawn.