Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall saw the impressive difference the Property Fund can make to local clubs and groups. Last night, at Penrith Army Cadets, he saw how the group had utilised the grant they were recently awarded, buying items such as rucksacks, waterproofs and presentation tables.
In 1973, the Powers of Criminal Courts Act (POCA) gave Police and Crime Commissioners the power to distribute money from the Property Fund, which is created from proceeds of the sale of items that cannot be returned to identified owners, including seizures from criminals. This means that money seized from convicted criminals under POCA is re-invested back into local communities.
The Property Fund’s aim is to help fund projects that engage in initiatives and interventions to reduce crime. Some examples are projects involving sporting activities for young people aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour, and youth club projects that assist in getting young people off the streets and providing them regular alternative activities during evenings.
Peter McCall comments: “Taking money from the ill-gotten gains of criminals and re-investing it into the community can only be a good thing, and it’s been great to meet everyone tonight and see the difference the Property Fund is making.
“Local people make applications based on what matters most to them and what will make a real difference. I am particularly focused on projects which give our young people positive values, help develop resilience, confidence and a sense of ownership and responsibility to their local communities.
“I urge members of the public to contact me if they would like to provide positive opportunities within their community and be involved in a project. All information of how to apply can be found on my website and I am always very encouraged by the number of innovative ideas people have and just how much time volunteers are willing to give to help create a sense of community belonging in the towns and villages where we live.”
Please note that the next deadline date for Property Fund applicants is 30th November 2019 and for further details, guideline and guidance of how to apply see https://cumbria-pcc.gov.uk/what-we-do/funding/property-fund/
