Police Crime Commissioner launches £5k community grants funded by confiscated criminal cash

Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has opened a new round of community funding using cash confiscated from offenders to support projects designed to make neighbourhoods safer.

Community groups, charities, local organisations and parish and town councils can apply for grants of up to £5,000 through the scheme, which will prioritise projects focused on youth diversion and preventing violence against women and girls.

The funding, which is being offered on a rolling basis is intended to help communities respond quickly to local issues, particularly during the summer months when anti-social behaviour often increases.

Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said the scheme would allow money taken from criminals to be put back into the areas affected by crime.

He said: “I’m pleased to be investing money taken from criminals back into the communities they’ve harmed, funding projects that actively support safer streets.

“Prevention is at the heart of my Police and Crime Plan. By stopping crime and anti-social behaviour before it happens, we can support stronger enforcement where needed.”

The latest funding round follows last year’s Community Fund, which saw £1.12 million of seized criminal assets redistributed across Lancashire. More than 66,000 people were supported through projects funded in every borough of the county.

Additional funding will also be distributed in partnership with Community Safety Partnerships and local MPs to help reach grassroots organisations.

Applications for the first round of summer funding close on June 17.