article_snippet.sent: A police crime commissioner is facing investigation after awarding more than half a million pounds of taxpayers' money to the charity she runs alongside the force's chief.
article_snippet.sent: It comes after the Home Secretary implemented a rule allowing PCCs to commission services for victims of crime.
article_snippet.sent: From April 1, I become responsible for some victims’ services after funding was devolved by Ministry of Justice to PCCs,' Ms Baird wrote.
article_snippet.sent: A Northumbria Police spokesman said the funds would be allocated 'in the same manner that Victim Support were directly funded by the MOJ'.
article_snippet.sent: Victims First Northumbria would investigate the circumstances to conclude whether any conflict of interest rules had been broken. '
article_snippet.sent: The MoJ requires PCCs not to be subject to conflicts of interest when providing victims services and has the power to investigate any possible conflict of interest and to cease funding if such a conflict is established.'
article_snippet.sent: Victims First Northumbria was established after the number of people contacting Victims First Northumbria predecessor, Victim Support, plummeted.
highlights_snippet.sent: Police and Crime Commissioner is a director at the newly set-up charity .
  