PCC Kim McGuinness launches Operation Payback to put criminals’ cash back where it belongs
A £350,000 pot of money recovered from criminals in the North East is going to be put back where it belongs – into the grass roots of local communities. This is part of a new funding initiative launched today by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness.
Local projects and community groups that strive to make their community a better place are encouraged to get their applications in to stand a chance of receiving a cash boost to help make a difference to local lives.
Whether you’re a group that supports vulnerable people or a project that provides diversionary activities to help tackle anti-social behaviour – if your aim is to improve lives or prevent crime, you could fit the bill. You could play a valuable role in helping the Commissioner repair the harm caused to communities by crime.
The funding, which includes money from items seized from criminals will be used to bring to life new ideas, initiatives and encourage collaboration with others.
In the years to come the fund will be topped up with some of the money seized from criminal activity under the Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA), with some recovered funds also going to Northumbria Police to help them target more criminals.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said the scheme is looking for anything which would have a really positive impact at a local level, particularly in areas affected by high crime rates. She explained: “I’m excited about this because it really is payback time. There are people and entire communities who have suffered so much at the hands of criminals who have caused great misery to others. With this money we want to help groups to really turn things around in their neighbourhood. We want the money to help prevent others from going down a path that leads to a life of crime.”
Kim continued: “Operation Payback is designed to empower local groups to find solutions to the issues that matter locally. So let’s give power to the people and help them repair the harm caused to communities by crime. This is a real opportunity for us to reward those who are trying to achieve good things by making their bright ideas and interventions possible.”
Applications are welcome from community, charity, social enterprise or voluntary groups from within the Northumbria Police force area and must aim to combat the impact of crime, reduce crime and provide diversionary activities. Projects must cost between £5,000 and £25,000 and must have the ability to spend before March 2022. For more information, full criteria and terms and conditions please visit the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner’s website.
