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County Durham’s victims’ champion has welcomed extra Government funding for people affected by the early release of prisoners but warned that far more is needed to meet demand.
Joy Allen, the police and crime commissioner for County Durham and Darlington, secured £195,000 from the Ministry of Justice over three years.
The money will strengthen services for victims affected by the early-release scheme, introduced to ease prison overcrowding.
Ms Allen said: "This is a positive approach, and I welcome the Prime Minister and Justice Secretary’s recognition that increased investment in victim support is needed.
"However, a one-off payment will not solve the wider issues nor the chronic under-funding of victims’ services overall.
"Demand is growing, compounded by the ongoing backlog of cases waiting to reach court.
"Victims’ services are not an optional extra – they are crucial to keeping victims engaged in the justice process, ensuring they cope and recover from their experiences, and are critically protected from re-victimisation.
"They must be the backbone of our justice system – first and foremost in everything we do.
"This is why delivering a first-class service to all victims of crime remains a fundamental priority in my Police, Crime and Justice Plan."
The Ministry of Justice has announced £18.9 million for victim services under the scheme, with the first eligible prisoners due to leave prison on October 1.
Some of the money will fund a Victim Support helpline offering information, advice and emotional support to people affected by the scheme.
More money will support victims of violence against women and girls, including men and boys.
Ms Allen welcomed the Government listening to victims and campaigners about the impact of early release.
She said: "I’m pleased the Government is listening to campaigners and victims about the impact of these changes and is committed to improving their experiences.
"Extra funding is always welcomed, but properly funded forces are vital to delivering future sustainability and the consistency of support necessary to improving outcomes and increasing confidence in our justice system."
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She also backed the Government’s decision to bar offenders convicted of unlawful killing, including death by dangerous driving, from early release.
Ms Allen called the decision “a victory for victims, bereaved families and common sense” after public anger, backed by chief constables across the country, that PC Andrew Harper’s killers would be released much earlier than planned.
Ms Allen is a nationally recognised road-safety expert campaigning for the Government to acknowledge the devastation caused by fatal road crime and punish those responsible with the seriousness their offences deserve.