Fund launched with criminals’ cash

Up to £500,000 a year of criminal assets will be available for community use in West Yorkshire through a new fund.

The Safer Communities Fund will see money seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act within the area fed into a pot of cash exclusively for community safety schemes.

West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns Williamson, who launched the fund yesterday, said: “I have launched the Safer Communities Fund to bring together money seized from criminals across the county into a single community purse. I want to make it easier for local groups and organisations to receive money under the Proceeds of Crime Act and make a difference to the local communities. Thousands of pounds recovered from criminals will be made available in four bidding rounds per year. Each submission must also meet the priorities and outcomes outlined in my Police and Crime Plan.

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“Under current legislation, the Government keeps half of the money seized from criminals in West Yorkshire, however, I want to see all of that returned to the county. This could potentially double the cash available within my Safer Communities Fund and help to keep people safe and feeling safe.”

Local groups across West Yorkshire will be able to submit applications of up to £10,000.