Money seized from local criminals to be made available for community projects.

Money seized from local criminals via POCA (Proceeds of Crime) and funds from the Police and Crime Commissioner are being made available for local communities to use on projects which will help cut crime and reduce anti-social behaviour.

Bids are now being accepted from groups for a share of £42,000 across north Wales for the Participatory Budgeting Pilot Scheme.

Flintshire area has been allocated £7000 and applicants will be invited to present their bids to a local panel who will then decide which project will go forward to a final public vote.

Each winning project can receive a maximum of £3500.

The scheme is being funded partly through money recovered from the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), which is the money accumulated by convicted criminals, and from the funds which have been allocated to the Commissioner’s Fund.

Winston Roddick, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales said:

“During my first year in office as Police and Crime Commissioner I have built my most effective policies on what you the public have told me. The most obvious examples are the development of the rural crime team and additional police officers.

  “I want to build on this approach by piloting a participatory budgeting grant scheme. This means that the communities of north Wales will be able to decide which projects are given financial support. I know there are communities and organisations  who have innovative projects that can help make our communities safer. This pilot scheme will put the decision-making power in the hands of our communities by letting them decide which projects to support.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Simon Shaw said:

“North Wales Police are pleased to support this Participatory Budget Pilot in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner. Feedback from our communities, partners and staff show that the reduction of crime and anti-social behavior is a key priority.

  “This pilot fund aims to give local communities and organisations the opportunity to develop innovative projects that will help address these issues. Applicants might find it useful to speak to neighbourhood policing teams about their proposals.

He added:

“I would like to wish applicants the best of luck and we very much look forward to receiving the proposals.”

Details on how to apply can be found here; Your Community, Your Choice

Image; www.cheshire.police.uk