Fund to steer young from crime is doubled

THE Government is to double funding for a scheme to steer children and teenagers away from violence after a sharp rise in crime rates.

Home Secretary Sajid Javid is to increase cash available under the Early Intervention Youth Fund (EIYF) from £11m to £22m.

It comes after police-recorded crime in Wales and England hit the highest level in more than a decade as killings, knife offences and robberies surged. In the 12 months to March, forces logged 5.5 million crimes – a rise of 11% compared with the previous year and the highest tally for an equivalent period since 2005/06.

Data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on July 19 also found that the proportion of recorded crimes that result in a charge or summons has fallen below one in 10, while officer numbers are the lowest in at least 22 years.

The Government had faced criticism that some of the spike in violent crime has been caused by lack of youth services.

Mr Javid said: “Intervening early in the lives of vulnerable young people can help focus their talents on positive activities and steer them away from the dangers of serious violence.

“This is why we are doubling our Early Intervention Youth Fund to £22m.

“The fund will support groups at the heart of our communities who educate and interact with youths and provide them with an alternative to crime.”