§ Mr. Tim Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has reached a conclusion on the possibility of providing additional funding for victim support schemes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdYes. I remain of the view that individual schemes should in the main be able to look to their local communities as their primary sources of funds. Such an arrangement best corresponds with the spontaneous and voluntary character of the victims support movement. I am, however, conscious that some schemes are experiencing particular financial difficulties, and I therefore propose to make £136,000 available in the financial year 1986–87 to help such schemes. This will be in addition to the grant which will continue to be paid to the National Association of Victims Support Schemes to support its headquarters work. The money will be paid to NAVSS, which will allocate grants to local schemes which are in particular need of financial assistance. I understand546W that NAVSS will shortly be writing to local management committees inviting applications. Victims support schemes, like other voluntary bodies, can also apply for assistance under general Government programmes such as the urban programme and the MSC voluntary projects and community programmes.