COMMUNITY services across England and Wales will receive a funding of £2.5 million later this year to divert more women away from crime. Also, Wales has been chosen for the government’s first Residential Women’s Centre which focuses on rehabilitation for women convicted of low-level crime.
The funding will help cover core costs such as wages, rent and bills, an official statement said.
“The first £5 million awarded under our Female Offender Strategy has enabled some truly inspirational organisations to expand what they do and support more women in need," Justice minister Lucy Frazer said.
“These services have shown great creativity and resilience to continue their support through the lockdown, and I want to reassure them this extra £2.5 million will be available when those measures can be safely relaxed."
The ministry of Justice will now work with the Welsh Government and partners in Wales to identify a provider and site, with the aim of opening the centre by the end of 2021.
Allocation of the £2.5 million funding will involve the directors of each regional probation area. They will evaluate bids and make funding recommendations to the ministry of Justice.
This additional support comes after chancellor Rishi Sunak last month announced a £750 million package of support to ensure charities across the UK can continue their vital work during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Under the Government’s Female Offender Strategy, £5.1 million of grants have previously been awarded to 30 different organisations across England and Wales.
