Charity Predicts “Devastating” Consequences from Victim Support Funding Cuts

A 4.2% reduction in funding for essential victim-support services is scheduled for 2025, a move that various organizations predict will be “devastating” particularly when coupled with increases in National Insurance contributions. This funding reduction comes despite prior government pledges to enhance protections for individuals affected by crimes like stalking and anti-social behavior. The government has since stated that the justice system is experiencing “immense pressure” but has committed to safeguarding support specifically for victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse. However, Victim Support, identified as the largest organization impacted, indicates that this funding deficit will necessitate cuts to its fundamental services. The charity projects a 7% real-terms decrease in its funding, factoring in the forthcoming increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions, which it quantifies as equivalent to £3.5 million or the cost of 84 employees. While financial provisions for personnel assisting victims of violence against women and girls are designated to be protected, these specialized services are reliant on funding for general operational costs to function. Katie Kempen, chief executive of Victim Support, drew attention to the Labour government’s manifesto commitment to reduce violence against women and girls by half within ten years. Kempen stated, “This unprecedented cut to victims’ services funding, combined with the increase in National Insurance contributions, is devastating for our services. Unless this decision is reversed, the stark reality is that people who have experienced the shock and trauma of crime, including domestic-abuse and sexual-violence survivors, will have to go without vital support.” Beyond seeking a reversal of the cut, the charity also advocates for an increase in funding to offset the rising National Insurance costs. Over recent weeks, the government has issued several commitments aimed at enhancing the protection of crime victims, which include: The 4.2% reduction applies to funding from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), which police and crime commissioners across England and Wales utilize to procure practical and emotional support services for victims, determined by their evaluation of local requirements. The distinct Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund is set to maintain its allocation of £21 million for the 2025-26 period, without any increase to adjust for inflation, even as the MoJ’s total budget for the identical timeframe has seen a 4.3% real-terms growth. Victims Minister Alex Davies-Jones commented, “This government inherited a criminal-justice system under immense pressure and a black hole in the nation’s finances. We must now make difficult decisions to ensure we can deliver the justice victims deserve, through our courts and across the system. By protecting our support for victims of sexual violence and domestic abuse, we are ensuring help is available to survivors of these awful crimes as they seek to rebuild their lives.” Conversely, Matt Randle, director of justice at Catch22, an organization providing victim services in Greater Manchester, Hertfordshire, Leicestershire, and for young Londoners, stated, “The changes to National Insurance are costly – and alongside cuts to funding, there is little room for manoeuvre. Government must work with the voluntary sector to find the best ways to make what money there is go further and properly meet the needs of victims.” Laura Williams, a survivor of repeated abuse during and after her relationship with her former partner, recounted that her Victim Support caseworker accompanied her to court and provided “such a massive help.” Ms Williams added, “She is really down to Earth and always listens to me and has never judged me.” She further elaborated, “I could ring her four times in a day or a week and she would answer the phone or say she would get back to me, which she always did.”