Additional funding proposed for prevention of youth crime and for training in civil defence and individual emergency planning
In the first supplementary budget proposal for 2023, the Government proposes an increase of EUR 6.9 million for the administrative branch of the Ministry of the Interior. A total of EUR 2.477 million is proposed for the police to prevent and combat youth crime. EUR 1.037 million is proposed for strengthening multi-professional and preventive Anchor work by the police. In addition, the Government proposes an increase of 1.44 million to enhance the investigation of youth crime, particularly in the largest cities (Helsinki, Vantaa, Espoo, Turku).
On the initiative of the Ministry of the Interior, the Government proposes a total of EUR 19 million in additional funding for the prevention and combating of youth crime. The sum will be divided between different administrative branches. The increases and measures proposed for the police are part of this larger package.
“Youth and street crime must be prevented through an extensive range of measures and cooperation between the authorities and the third sector. We need to both prevent and intervene effectively in crimes. During this government term, we have increased the number of police officers to more than 7,500 and supported the wellbeing of children and young people extensively. With the additional funding of EUR 19 million in the supplementary budget, we will strengthen our efforts to combat youth crime,” says Minister of the Interior Krista Mikkonen.
Increasing communication and training in civil defence and individual emergency planning
The Government proposes a total of EUR 0.944 million for rescue service training and communication. Of this increase, EUR 0.44 million will be granted to the Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK). The competence of civil society organisations plays a major role in communicating about civil defence and individual emergency planning and in reaching different target groups.
“Our changed security environment emphasises the need to prepare for various threats. Preparedness also concerns everyday risks, such as power outages caused by storms. The individual is an important link in the preparedness chain. A large number of Finns have already heard about the recommendations issued by the authorities on individual emergency planning by households. The additional funding will make communication more efficient,” says Minister Mikkonen.
Other additional appropriations in the Ministry of the Interior’s branch of government
Civilian material assistance to Ukraine will continue. In the supplementary budget, the Government proposes an increase of EUR 3 million for material assistance. The increase is due to the fact that part of the funding for civilian material assistance to Ukraine granted for 2022 will be transferred to 2023.
The Ministry of the Interior coordinates the civilian material assistance provided by Finland, which mainly consists of donations by public administration and businesses. Assistance sent to Ukraine has included emergency accommodation, rescue vehicles, ambulances, buses, medical personal protective equipment, emergency medical supplies and facilities, as well as medical supplies and equipment. As the war continues, the need for assistance is expected to continue to increase.
The supplementary budget also includes additional appropriations related to the implementation of the Government’s legislative proposals. An increase of EUR 0.35 million is proposed for the Emergency Response Centre Agency in connection with the amendment of the Act on Emergency Response Centre Operations. Parliament did not have time to discuss the legislative proposal as part of the 2023 Budget.
An increase of EUR 0.11 million is proposed for the Finnish Immigration Service. The need for the increase arises from changes caused by the legislation on digital identity. Parliament did not have time to discuss the legislative proposal as part of the 2023 Budget.
Inquiries
Kati Korpi, Director of Finance and Planning, tel. +358 295 488 513, kati.korpi@gov.fi
Mikko Jalo, Special Adviser, tel. +358 50 304 8522, mikko.jalo@gov.fi (requests for interviews with the Minister)