Essex Conservatives pledged £500,000 from the council’s 2021/22 budget to support the Violence and Vulnerability Unit to break the cycle of violence and protect young people from gangs.
Roger Hirst, Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner said:
“We thank Essex County Council for their continued support, it is vital in our fight against gangs and the drug driven violence they bring to our communities.
“Only by working together can we break the cycle of violence that drugs and gangs inflict on our communities and protect the vulnerable from being groomed into a life of crime. Our county is at the forefront of this work with successful projects being delivered across greater Essex from hospitals and schools to communities and clubs; together we are making a difference and creating the safe, secure communities we all need to prosper and thrive.”
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at Essex County Council said:
“I’m pleased that ECC has recognised the importance of continuing to fund work that tackles County Lines and child exploitation. I know how vital some of the project work has been to protect some of our most vulnerable young people and I’m delighted that we can continue to support communities and make Essex a safer place.”
