§ Mr. FavellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the funding of victim support schemes in Greater Manchester, and Stockport in particular.
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§ Mr. John PattenWe have received one letter from the Greater Manchester Federation of Victim Support expressing concern about the proposed withdrawal by local authorities of funding for victim support schemes in Greater Manchester. Home Office grant, which is administered by the funding panel of the national charity Victim Support, stands at £4.5 million this year and will rise by 20 per cent. to £5.4 million next year, subject to parliamentary approval. Local schemes may apply to the funding panel for new or extra grant under criteria reviewed annually, which are designed to ensure that the grant is distributed fairly and to best effect throughout England and Wales.