Source · Select Committees · Women and Equalities Committee
Recommendation 5
5
Accepted
Lack of data and precarious funding for FGM services causing reduced focus
Conclusion
There is a notable lack of data on spending on FGM services but evidence to this Committee indicates that funding for FGM services may have reduced and remains precarious. There are also concerns that the integration of FGM services within the wider women’s health agenda has led to a reduced focus. (Conclusion, Paragraph 22)
Government Response Summary
The government committed to convening a Ministerial roundtable with relevant departments to explore improved prevention and prosecution efforts against FGM, and detailed new Crown Prosecution Service actions like National Scrutiny Panels to strengthen oversight and governance of FGM cases.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
. Response: The Government’s approach to tackling FGM is focused on preventing these crimes from happening, supporting and protecting survivors and those at risk, and bringing perpetrators to justice. To do this, prevention and prosecution must be central as part of a whole-system response. The Home Office will jointly with the Attorney General’s Office convene a Ministerial roundtable with all relevant Government departments to explore what more the Government can do to tackle FGM and improve multi-agency working. This will have improving prevention and prosecution efforts at the centre. The Home Office is currently unable to comment on spending beyond March 2026 as this is subject to the departmental allocations process following the recent Spending Review, which is yet to conclude. To strengthen oversight and governance of ‘honour’-based abuse, forced marriage and FGM cases, the Crown Prosecution Service has developed a dedicated Action Plan, which includes the introduction of National Scrutiny Panels and a second national multi-agency conference to raise awareness and promote effective partnership working. These activities will inform updates to the NPCC–CPS joint protocols on the handling of FGM cases, ensuring investigators and prosecutors are equipped with the tools, training and guidance needed to prosecute these cases and secure justice for victims. • The Home Office should ensure that border officials have sufficient training on FGM to ensure they can identify potential cases and intervene when necessary. There should also be close engagement between departments, such as the Forei