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Boris Johnson has been forced to double the funding for rape crisis centres in London after claims that he was "betraying" women.
The Mayor has promised an extra £700,000 over three years to fund the only rape crisis centre in Croydon and create three more.
But the £1.4million fund - obtained through "efficiency savings" - still falls far short of his election pledge of delivering £744,000 a year for three years.
Mr Johnson was accused of "betraying" London last month after he backtracked on his manifesto. He claimed the cost of three new rape crisis centres would be met by cutting Ken Livingstone's army of spin doctors, but it emerged he had only £233,000 a year in the budget.
Today Mr Johnson said £1.4million over three years would be set aside. He is asking councils, health authorities and the Met to stump up the remaining £800,000.
A Labour spokeswoman said: "It's a backhanded way of fulfilling his election promise."
Yvonne Traynor, chief executive of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre in Croydon, said the money should come from government.
Reader views (7)
Easy to knock Boris butlets not forget what life was like under red ken
- Graham, Cornwall, 29/05/2009 21:01
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Hmm, I've heard this before, that's right it was in his manifesto except back then it was more money and he said he'd act 'immediately'. Forgive me if I'm a little cynical about this, but isn't it just more of the same. All words, no actually money committed?
- Rose, London, 29/05/2009 16:40
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Every day I come onto the Evening Standard website and there is always good news whenever Boris is concerned. He is such a wonderful mayor and is doing an outstanding job, long may he reign above our city doing us proud.
- Stephen W, Wanstead, 29/05/2009 13:57
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I think the point in question is whether his listening and making promises will actually be backed up by any action.
This statement means nothing until this money is actually allocated and received where it is needed.
- Rachel, london, 29/05/2009 13:01
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Boris is still not keeping his election promise which was to provide £744,000 a year to fund the one existing rape crisis centre in London, along with three more new centres. Only two weeks ago he stated that the money would not be found within his budget, now he has magicly kept his promise by asking central and local government to pay instead, something they have not agreed to. He also does not state when he will be handing over the money or to whom making this another empty statement from his office.
It's also interesting that he promised to act 'immediately' once elected yet a year has passed with no action. Also he orginially offered four years funding which has now been cut to three, it seems a little unfair that Rape Crisis Croyden lose a years funding because Boris hasn't kept his promise.
Not impressed Mr Mayor.
- Deborah, London, 29/05/2009 12:13
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This is why I like Boris - HE LISTENS.
Unlike the MP's of this country.
- Jc, London, 29/05/2009 11:21
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Once again, Boris listens to the people and acts accordingly. Good work Boris.
- St, London, 29/05/2009 09:25
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