Recommendation 19

Given the ongoing risk of FGM in the UK, we recommend the Home Office restore funding to previous levels—we recommend an annual spend of at least £2 million—and commit to sustained funding for initiatives aimed at preventing and tackling FGM. Targeted support should be provided to local authorities with higher levels of FGM prevalence to ensure they can respond effectively to local needs. Funding should also continue to be allocated to public awareness campaigns and to services which play a key role in prevention and support, including by reinstating funding to the NSPCC FGM helpline. (Recommendation, Paragraph 60)