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Written question asked by Vicky Foxcroft (Labour) on Thursday, 4 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 June 2026. It was answered by Sarah Jones (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 June 2026 on behalf of the Home Office.

Violence Reduction Units: Greater London

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of providing the London Violence Reduction Unit with a multi-year funding settlement.

Answer

Independent evaluation has demonstrated that the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) programme has successfully reduced serious violence, preventing thousands of young people from being admitted to hospital for violent injuries across 20 police force areas in England and Wales, including London. The report flags statistically significant reductions in assaults by sharp object for under-25s, and assaults by any violence for under-25s and all ages. This equates to around 550 fewer sharp-object hospital admissions and 3,750 admissions for all types of violence among under-25-year-olds or 7,140 fewer admissions across all ages for all types of violence, since funding began in 2019

Recognising this impact, the 2026/27 Police Funding Settlement included an allocation of £66.6m for Serious Violence Reduction Programmes, including £10.5m for London VRU.

Officials are considering funding options for FY 27/28 and 28/29 for Serious Violence Reduction Programmes, including VRUs.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
6772
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Finance Greater London Violence reduction units
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk