Lewes MP ‘delighted’ at £880,000 funding boost to tackle serious violence in Sussex

This funding, she said, will help bring together organisations across our community to tackle violent crime and address its underlying causes, as well as funding vital local projects that do positive preventative work with children and young people.

She added: “I am delighted that Sussex Police will receive an extra £880,000 to tackle the violent crime that has been robbing too many young people of their futures.

“By backing our police with the funding, powers and resources they need, we are keeping the public and our communities safe, so that people everywhere can live their lives free from the fear of crime.”

The funding will be invested in Violence Reduction Units, which bring together organisations across local communities to tackle violent crime and address its underlying causes, as well as also funding vital local projects doing positive preventative work with children and young people.

Meanwhile, it will also bring in 20,000 additional police officers over the next three years, 6,620 of which have already been recruited.

Sussex was one of 18 areas across England and Wales to get a share of £35.5million, Mrs Caulfield said.

The allocation brings the total funding targeted at violent crime up to £105million, she added.

In addition, more than £2million is being made available via a winter contingency fund package. This money is being delivered through VRUs to local charities and social enterprises that support vulnerable young people at risk of involvement in violence through the lockdown period.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Violence Reduction Units play a vital role in preventing young people from being dragged into the horrors of serious violence, and this funding will enable them to continue this crucial work.”

“I will continue to back our police with the resources and powers they need to cut crime and make your community safer.”