This decision record should be read in conjunction with Decision Record 2021-0007012, Decision Record 2022-0004 and Decision Record 2023/24-0003 which outlines the details of funding awarded by the MoJ in 2021 for additional ISVAs and IDVAs.
In 2022, the MoJ announced that this ringfenced funding would be extended to 31st March 2025. Previously, funding to the value of £95,972 from the above fund was reallocated from an IDVA service provider that had closed in the area, to a provider to deliver Stalking Advocacy support.
In the 2024/25 period this provider held a vacant post which accrued an underspend of £9,007. Discussions with the provider in January 2025 concluded that the underspend could not be repurposed by 31 March and it was agreed there would be an underspend against the allocation.
As a result, Cleveland OPCC agreed with MOJ that the underspend could be reallocated to the local ISVA Service provider. This followed concerns raised over previous months in respect of significantly increased demands on the ISVA Service.
As a result, it was agreed that the underspend of £9,007 would be reallocated to support ISVA service demand.
This decision was discussed with PCC Matt Storey on 11 March 2025 and has his full support.