017/2013 – Extension to agreement, independent domestic and sexual violence advisors – 07 March 2013

Executive Summary and recommendation:

North Yorkshire Police, together with North Yorkshire County Council and the Safer York Partnership provide funds to maintain independent sexual and domestic violence advisor services for North Yorkshire and the City of York. The current framework of agreements is for 2012/13. The proposal is to extend the agreements to cover 2013/14.

The request is for the consideration of the extension of the current agreements and if appropriate to approve the extensions by signing the enclosed letters of notification (three different letters).

Police and Crime Commissioner decision:

Approved

Signature Date 07 March 2013
Title Police & Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire

Part 1 – Unrestricted facts and advice to the PCC

1. Introduction and background
   During 2012/13, North Yorkshire Police are acting as the Lead Organisation for funds relevant to 4.3 FTE Independent Domestic Violence Advisor and Independent Sexual Violence Advisor posts for North Yorkshire and the City of York. The posts are maintained by two charities, CVS and Independent Domestic Abuse Services. The provision is co-ordinated by the North Yorkshire and the City of York Local Strategic Partnerships through the Domestic Abuse Joint Co-ordinating Working Group.

   Together with North Yorkshire Police, North Yorkshire County Council and Safer York Partnership contribute the funds required for the posts in 2012/13. North Yorkshire Police and the other members of the Domestic Abuse Joint Co-ordinating Working Group propose to continue the provision of services during 2013/14.

   A number of agreements exist between North Yorkshire Police, as the Lead Organisation for the funds and the contributors and the service providers. The documents identify the understanding of the terms for providing the funds in support of the posts and the use of the funds. Funding agreements exist between North Yorkshire Police and the two other contributors. Agreements exist between North Yorkshire Police and the service providers.

   The proposal is to extend the periods of the existing agreements to cover the financial year 2013/14. It is proposed that all the other terms of the agreements will remain the same. This proposal is relevant to the agreements between North Yorkshire Police and Safer York Partnership as a contributor and the agreements between North Yorkshire Police and the CVS and the Independent Domestic Violence Service as service providers. The agreements that exist between North Yorkshire Police and North Yorkshire County Council are in the form of grants agreements issued by the Council and will be renewed in the normal way in due course.

2. Matters for consideration
   Approval of the proposal will extend the existing framework of agreements for the maintenance of independent domestic and sexual violence advisor services for North Yorkshire County and the City of York.
3. Other options considered, if any
   No other options have been proposed by the Domestic Abuse Joint Co-ordinating Working Group.
4. Contribution to Police and Crime Plan outcomes
   The independent domestic and sexual violence advisor services form part of the services provided by North Yorkshire Police to the victims of crime.
5. Consultations carried out
   The proposal is made in consultation with the Domestic Abuse Joint Co-ordinating Working Group.
6. Financial Implications/Value for money
   The total costs of providing the posts in 2013/14 will be £130,000. The proposed contributions are:

   North Yorkshire Police £60,000

   North Yorkshire County Council £30,000

   Safer York Partnership £40,000

   North Yorkshire Police will revive the contributions of the other two contributors and distribute the funds to the service providers.

   The draft budget includes provision for an NYP contribution of £60,000 in each of the three years 2013/14 to 2015/16.

7. Legal Implications
   The Police and Crime Commissioner has the power to receive and make grants relevant to policing purposes.
8. Equality Implications
   The services are provided to the victims of crime when required. By the nature of the services they will be required at different levels by different groups in the community of North Yorkshire and the City of York.