I’m delighted that the Kent and Medway Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) is getting over £5 million in extra funding.
The money will be used to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in known trouble spots across the county – making our communities safer and preventing people from falling into crime in the first place.
Violence Reduction Units bring together local partners in policing, education, health, and local government to share information in order to identify vulnerable children and adults at risk.
In partnership with Kent Police, Medway Council and Kent County Council, the VRU has funded 35 projects that support local communities and change the lives of young people.
The announcement from the Home Office this month will see the Kent and Medway VRU getting an extra £2.6 million this year. There will be an additional £1.5 million in each of the next two years to support the work of the unit.
The priority areas for the Kent and Medway VRU for 2022-25 will be: Violence with injury, Robbery, Knives and Weapons, Violence Against Women and Girls, Gangs, County Lines and Young Street Groups.
I’m determined to make sure the work of the Kent and Medway VRU benefits people in Faversham and Mid Kent.
