Cashback from crime to benefit town?

WARRINGTON could benefit from “cashback” from criminals as millions of pounds in seized assets are to be spent on worthwhile projects nominated by members of the public.
The £4 million Community Cashback fund is now 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 local 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 Cheshire will be able to submit project proposals for funding up to their area maximum of £95,000.
Home Secretary Alan Johnson said: “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.
“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.
“This scheme gives members of the public a greater voice within the criminal justice system and complements our recently launched Community Payback Scheme which lets the public vote on what community punishments local criminals are sent to work on.”
Chairman of Cheshire Criminal Justice Board Ian Rushton said: “The views of the local community are vital to helping us to deliver a fair and effective Criminal Justice System in Cheshire.
“Community Cashback offers an excellent opportunity for us to respond directly to the communities’ needs, so we really encourage people to have their say on the local projects they believe would benefit from this fund.”
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.
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