PCC reveals £195,000 surge fund and how it will help victims in Kent

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Kent Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Matthew Scott has revealed plans for £195,000 funding to support victims affected by the early release of prisoners.

The MoJ has allocated £18.9 million nationally to the PCC Surge Uplift Funding for victim support after the introduction of the Sentencing Act 2026 on September 2. This sees some prisoners released early, into the community, under intensive supervision to ease the capacity on overcrowded prisons.

As a result of the MoJ-led scheme, £195,000 has been awarded to PCCs to deliver support for those impacted.

Matthew Scott said: “Prisoners being re-released back into local communities places an enormous strain on services, particularly those in place to help victims who may be feeling anxious and uneasy over the move and what it could mean for them.

“While I’d rather offenders served their set sentences in prison, I am pleased that the MoJ has awarded this money so we can continue supporting victims.

“Part of our plans include the creation of an Early Offender Release Victims’ Champion Scheme.

“This individual will provide dedicated and visible support for those affected. My office and I will keep striving to commission these vital services to ensure the help is there and is accessible.”

The introduction of the champion scheme runs alongside the new, national, helpline which launched on October 1 to help anyone affected.

The money will also help with the roll out of updated messaging and the offer of safety equipment to victims on a needs and risk basis. Items such as window and door alarms can be provided to those deemed at risk, along with access to security apps. Training will also be offered to local service providers on a needs-basis.

Early Offender Release Scheme (ERS) Victims’ Champion Scheme

The role will take referrals and hold a caseload of victim-survivors providing advocacy, information, emotional support, and practical assistance alongside liaising with criminal justice partners.

Matthew Scott added: “This point of contact will prove invaluable to the public. I am pleased we have been able to offer such a service which gives some reassurance during what can be an unsettling time for victims.”

The new function will sit within the Kent Victims Advocacy and Support Service delivered by Victim Support and will work with those affected to help them feel safe, informed, and supported, while strengthening local provision and partnership working.

The Victims’ Champion will work closely with statutory agencies, including the police, probation, courts, and other criminal justice teams to ensure the victim-survivor is informed and have their needs met through assessment and safety and support planning.

Individuals impacted and professionals working with those impacted can access the Victims’ Champion through the national helpline 0808 168 9280 or queries can be raised on email [email protected].

Please note referrals for support must be made via the national helpline and will not be accepted through the email address.

Offender Release Helpline details

From 1 October 2026, the Offender Release Helpline can be contacted on: 

Telephone: 0808 168 9280

Website: Offender Release Helpline homepage - Victim Support

Children and young people affected by offender release can also access age-appropriate support through the helpline. This includes access to specialist children and young people’s practitioners. 

Children and young people (offender release helpline) - Victim Support.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Matthew Scott is available for interview upon request.

The MoJ has approved £150,000 initially, with an additional £45,000 applied for and due for approval between 2028-2029.