Nus Ghani, MP for Wealden, has welcomed the announcement of over £130 million to tackle serious violent crime, including murder and knife crime, in the coming year.
Sussex Police will receive £514,500 of this extra funding, as one of the 18 areas across England and Wales selected for targeted police action.
The total £130.5 million funding package includes £30 million to support the police in taking targeted action in parts of England and Wales most affected by serious violence, as well as up to £23 million for a new early intervention programme that will help stop young people from being drawn into the cycle of violence.
The funding package comes ahead of the introduction of a major criminal justice Bill, which will give police new stop and search powers to tackle known knife and weapons carriers, place a duty on public sector bodies – including police, education and health agencies – to take a joined-up approach to addressing serious violence, and require local agencies to review the circumstances when a homicide takes place involving offensive weapons, such as knives.
Nus Ghani said: “I am pleased that Sussex Police will receive extra funding to tackle serious violence in our communities. This funding ensures that our police have the tools and resources they need to tackle violent crime and address its underlying causes. I also welcome the investment into vital early intervention programmes that do positive preventative work with children and young people. These vital resources will ensure that Sussex Police can continue keeping our young residents away from crime and keeping communities in Wealden safe.”
