In July the Mayor announced £2.4 million additional funding on top of £20 million his office had already invested in London’s Violence Reduction Unit (VRU)[1]. This was part of a multi-agency plan to drive down violent crime in the capital as coronavirus restrictions eased and school holidays began.
The Government awarded funding for eighteen VRUs in 2019[2], and London’s VRU commenced operations in March of that year based on this funding.
The VRU, which unites specialists from health, police, local government and community organisations, aims to tackle violent crime by taking a systematic public health approach.
Two years on, the London Assembly will explore how successful the VRU has been so far and the challenges posed by violent crime in the capital.
The Police and Crime Committee will meet tomorrow to hear evidence from:
- Lib Peck, Director, Violence Reduction Unit
- Steve Bending, Head of Policy and Commissioning, Violence Reduction Unit
The meeting will take place on Thursday, 7 October 2021 from 10am, in the Chamber at City Hall (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1).
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
Follow us @LondonAssembly
Notes to editors
Notes for editors:
1. https://www.london.gov.uk/press-releases/mayoral/biggest-multi-agency-plan-in-london
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/police-granted-funding-boost-for-action-on-serious-violence
4. Shaun Bailey AM, Chairman of the Police and Crime Committee, is available for interview.
5. Find out more about the work of the Police and Crime Committee.
6. As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For more information, please contact Emma Bowden in the Assembly Media Office on 07849 303897. For out of hours media enquiries please call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the Assembly duty press officer.