The Government has confirmed that it will fund the UK National Wildlife Crime Unit for at least the next four years.  Funding for the unit was due to expire at the end of March 2016 and it appeared to facing a very uncertain future.

However, Defra and the Home Office have now both confirmed that they will each be providing £136K per year for the next 4 years.  In addition Defra will provide a further £29K per year to tackle wildlife crime online, which is a matter of growing concern.  Other smaller funding streams had previously been secured from the National Police Chief’s Council and the Scottish Government, but those alone would not have sustained the unit’s future.

In making the announcement Environment Minister Rory Stewart said that the funding was, “In recognition of the important contribution the unit makes to tackling wildlife crime, both at home and abroad” he added, “This will give the unit significant financial stability and enable their vital work to continue until at least 2020.”

Head of Unit, Chief Inspector Martin Sims said, “I am delighted with today’s announcement.  Four years is the longest period of secured funding since the NWCU was launched in 2006.  It provides the unit with stability for the future and to continue with our work.”