PCC Dismayed That Government Cuts Funding For Night Safety Marshals
The work of Night Safety Marshals across several areas of Sussex ceased in April because the government cut their funding and changed the priorities required to access it. Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne shares residents’ disappointment that this valued service has come to an end.
Since 2022, Night Safety Marshals have operated across Brighton, Crawley, Eastbourne (launched in 2024) and Worthing, under the Safer Streets Fund and subsequent Hotspot Policing Fund 2024. Both funds focused on tackling anti-social behaviour and improving public safety in the night-time economy.
Despite the more recent Hotspot Policing Fund delivering clear and measurable success in reducing anti-social behaviour, the Government has chosen not to extend it. Instead, national funding priorities have been redirected towards knife-related crime alone, with the amount of available funding further reduced from the level under the Hotspot Policing Fund.
In response, PCC Katy Bourne submitted a successful joint bid with Sussex Police to the new Knife Crime Concentration Fund. However, this shift in national priorities means that services such as Night Safety Marshals are no longer eligible for funding in most areas of Sussex as they do not meet the new criteria set down by the Home Office.
What Do Night Safety Marshals Do?
Night Safety Marshals are specially trained, highly visible security professionals who work within the night-time economy in partnership with police, licensed premises, taxi marshals, street pastors and other agencies to keep people safe.
Their role includes high-visibility patrols during peak night-time economy hours, offering reassurance, guidance and early intervention, supporting individuals who may be vulnerable or in need of assistance and providing additional patrol hours during busy summer months.
Impact on Sussex
Commenting on the Home Office’s decision, PCC Katy Bourne said: “This is upsetting news for residents, businesses and those who work in and enjoy our night-time economy. I am deeply disappointed that the Government has withdrawn a vital funding stream that has consistently delivered positive and tangible results in our towns and cities.
“This funding helped reduce anti-social behaviour and prevent the very crimes it was designed to address, including knife-related offences, and I know the loss of Night Safety Marshals will be keenly felt.
“I have been advised that, under the new Knife Crime Concentration Fund, Night Safety Marshals in Eastbourne, Worthing and Crawley will no longer be able to continue from 1 April 2026 as they do not meet the new criteria set out by the Home Office. After working closely with Sussex Police and the Home Office team and clearly outlining the local case for retention, I am pleased that at least the Brighton and Hove team will remain in place.
“While this is welcome news for Brighton and Hove, the wider loss across our county will undoubtedly be felt by the communities that Night Safety Marshals have supported.”
PCC Bourne continued: “I want to sincerely thank every Night Safety Marshal who has worked across Sussex. Your professionalism, compassion and dedication have made a real difference. You have provided reassurance, prevented crime and supported vulnerable people at times when they needed help the most. I am truly grateful for everything you have achieved.
“As we continue to see violent incidents, including knife crime, in our busiest urban areas, the continued presence of the Brighton and Hove team will play an important role alongside the community safety measures delivered through the Knife Crime Concentration Fund.”
“I urge all Sussex MPs to use their voices to lobby the Government to reinstate funding for Night Safety Marshals across Sussex. If we work together, there is a stronger chance of being heard and of restoring a service that has provided immense reassurance and helped people feel safer in our county.”
Editors note: this story has been incorrectly reported elsewhere