<p>My Department has ongoing discussions with the Home Office on multiple issues, including tackling crime. Tackling knife crime is a priority and the Government is determined to crack down on the scourge of violence devastating our communities.</p><p>The provisional Local Government Finance Settlement confirmed an increase of £2.9 billion in resources for local government this year. In addition, police funding is increasing by more than £1 billion this year, including council tax and additional funding through the Serious Violence Fund for forces worst affected by violent crime.</p>