Get cash back from the crooks with new community fund

COMMUNITIES in Devon and Cornwall could benefit from �4 million in cash seized from criminals. The �4 million Community Cashback fund will be made available for local schemes nominated through a dedicated website, at neighbourhood policing meetings or thr

COMMUNITIES in Devon and Cornwall could benefit from �4 million in cash seized from criminals.

The �4 million Community Cashback fund will be made available for local schemes nominated through a dedicated website, at neighbourhood policing meetings or through Citizens' Panels.

Successful bids will have to show how the community is involved in suggesting the project, demonstrate good value for money and be related in some way to tackling antisocial or criminal behaviour locally.

The Local Criminal Justice Board in Devon and Cornwall will be able to submit project proposals for funding in their area up to a maximum of �95,000.

Interested community members should visit the Community Cashback website at www.cashback.cjsonline.gov.uk. The closing date for submission of projects is at 11.59pm on Sunday July 19.

Projects will then be screened against various criteria and be placed on the website for public vote from 11am on Monday July, 20, closing at 9am on July 27.

A panel will then consider the projects with the highest number of public votes and the successful projects will be informed.

Until now money recovered from criminals has been split between frontline services, such as the police and Government departments involved with the criminal justice system. This is the first time a portion of that money is being paid directly back into communities.

The scheme means that 50 per cent of the total money recovered through asset recovery is repaid to agencies including the police, courts, Crown Prosecution Service, Serious Organised Crime Agency, HM Revenue and Customs to go directly back to into their frontline work.

The figures show that a total �23.6 million recovered between January and April will be paid back, with a total �7 million to be shared between all police forces in England and Wales. Home Office figures show the value of assets recovered from criminals this year has increased to an all time high of �148 million.

"It gives me great pleasure to hand over the ill gotten gains of criminals to pay for community projects that matter most in people's neighbourhoods," said Home Secretary Alan Johnson.

"The Community Cashback fund will help to make a real difference to people's lives up and down the country - whether it's installing security measures in a block of flats, restoring a vandalised play area or helping launch a youth club.