FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE: Boris announces Rape Crisis Centres, but where’s the money to insure their future?
After a long flight by campaigners, the Mayor today finally announced the three new Rape Crisis centres he promised during his election campaign nearly two years ago.
Matty Mitford, Spokesperson for the Boris Keep Your Promise Campaign[1] said.
“I’m sure we join all other campaigns for Women in welcoming the new centres, it is a leap forward for vulnerable women in London. Our worry is that, since Boris cut his original funding pledge by 1.6 million, or over half [2], there is now no clear mention of who will pay for the centre’s running costs. They Mayor’s funding only lasts for two years[3], after which who will fund these new centres? With all councils facing huge cuts over the next few years, we could easily find ourselves in the position of having Rape Crisis Centres with no money to run them, all because Boris wouldn’t award the money he promised in his manifesto.”
David Babbs, Director of Campaigning Organisation 38 Degrees says, “We are glad to show that people-powered campaigning can really work. We will be keeping a close eye on Mayor Johnson to see his original promises are kept. It’s the money that matters, not the press release.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors
[1] Boris Keep Your Promise is a campaign started by the North London brach of the Fawcett Society. Their Website is www.boriskeepyourpromise.org.uk
[2]http://www.mayorwatch.co.uk/boris-announces-rape-crisis-centre-funding/20097835
[3] http://nlfg.wordpress.com/2010/03/08/gla-press-release/ in the ‘notes for editors section’.
[4] 38 Degrees are a campaigning organisation, aim to bring political power back to the people http://38degrees.org.uk/page/s/rapecrisis
For further information or for immediate or future interview, please contact:
Matty Mitford (Director of Boris Keep Your Promise) on keepit@REOMVEboriskeepyourpromise.org.uk or at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
or
David Babbs (Director of 38 Degrees) davidb@REMOVE38degress.or.uk or at xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
