Evaluating the impact of programmes in the UK to create safer streets 

The Safer Streets Fund was established back in 2019 by the UK Home Office, to reduce instances of burglary, theft and anti-social behaviour.  The programme enables local areas to bid for funding to put appropriate interventions in place. In 2021, the focus of the programme was broadened to include violence against women and girls (VAWG) as a critical issue to address. 

The Home Office required evidence and insight to answer whether the programme is working; if it could be more impactful; and whether the investment is delivering public value. 

We conducted a collaborative exercise to map out the programme objectives and impact pathways, supplemented by additional evidence and data from wider programme stakeholders, members of the public and official government data sources.   

We then employed quasi-experimental designs, econometric modelling, data analytics and advanced qualitative approaches, alongside large-scale primary data collection, to provide an assessment of impact and deliver a robust evidence base to inform decision making by policy makers.   

Along with our partners Simetrica-Jacobs, we are developing an economic evaluation to quantify the overall costs and benefits associated with the fund. 

We worked closely with other partners who alongside us, also specialise in crime policy including the Jill Dando Institute of Crime Policy, University College London, Durham Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse and Bath Social and Development Research. 

Impact 

This evaluation has informed broader crime policy as well as the Safer Streets and SWAN (Safety of Women at Night) programmes.  Resulting recommendations have been implemented at national and local levels to enhance programme effectiveness.   

Also as a result, the Home Office has also established a sharing platform for delivery teams to support collaboration and best practice. We have also supported on learning and skills development at a local government level as per the recommendation.