Purpose

Independent Choices are commissioned to deliver the domestic abuse helpline for Greater Manchester. This funding is intended as an in year uplift in response to greater complexity than anticipated in cases where there is no recourse to public fund and victims visas are tied to abusive spouse visas, as well as an increased need for interpretation in these cases; and to meet increased demand as a result of the prisoner early release scheme. The additional funding will support in delivering the same quality services in light of these developments, against the original grant purpose.

Decision

£50,000 will be provided to Independent Choices to provide additional capacity to support the diverse needs of victims in the city-region, specifically to respond to those with no recourse to public funds and those experiencing honour-based abuse and forced marriage. These funds will also support existing and increasing demand as a result of the prisoner early release scheme. This is an uplift to existing funding provided.