Applications for the CashBack for Communities programme, which reinvests criminal assets into community projects, reopened today, with more than £18 million to be allocated.
In 2017-18, £279,822 was awarded from the fund in North Ayrshire for community programmes and activities to support young people into positive destinations, diverting some away from potentially criminal or anti-social behaviour.
Since the SNP Government launched the programme in 2008, North Ayrshire has received £2,243,033.
Project partners who benefited from the fund and delivered projects in North Ayrshire last year included basketballscotland, Creative Scotland, Ocean Youth Trust Scotland, YouthLink Scotland.
The next phase of funding will take total investment in the programme, which is unique to Scotland, to almost £110 million.
Minister for Community Safety Ash Denham MSP said:
“Since CashBack for Communities began in 2008 we have delivered nearly two and a half million activities and opportunities for young people across all local authorities in Scotland.
“The next stage of CashBack will have a particular focus on projects that support young people and communities most affected by crime. I’m pleased to say that we have increased funding for this latest phase by £1 million, taking the total amount available over three years to £18 million.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP added:
“Every young person growing up in North Ayrshire deserves an equal chance of success, regardless of their circumstances, and CashBack has a vital part to play in expanding their horizons and allowing them to reach their full potential and I am keen to see applications from local organisations.
“It is only right that cash seized from criminals is invested directly to improve lives, increasing opportunities for Scotland’s future and our young people.”
Phase 5 of the CashBack for Communities programme, which will run from 01 April 2020 to 31 March 2023, opened for applications on 15 May and will run until 28 June.
To find out more about the impact the CashBack for Communities programme is making in North Ayrshire and beyond, please visit:
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