£20k of criminal cash to boost towns
CHESHIRE’S police and crime commissioner John Dwyer has made £20,000 of ill-gotten gains seized from criminals available to spend on making Runcorn and Widnes safer.
The commissioner has £90,000 up for grabs in total, with £10,000 allocated to each of the county’s local policing unit areas (LPUs).
Mr Dwyer’s Community Cashback Fund gives residents the chance to vote on how the cash is spent.
Police in each LPU will conduct a public consultation to spot gaps in neighbourhood services and amenities.
A steering group will then be set up to consider the issues raised and decide on what actions to agree as well as research further possible solutions that can be dealt with via the funding.
Residents and groups will then be invited to submit bids to the Community Cashback Fund, followed by a “participatory budget” where residents can vote on which projects they feel deserve to go ahead.
Mr Dwyer said: “I am determined to show criminals that crime doesn’t pay.
“That’s why the Community Cashback Fund will ensure that the proceeds of their crimes are spent on improving the communities they have brought misery to, not funding their lifestyle.
“Having a community conversation in each of our LPUs means we can get a good idea from the very start about what people’s aspirations are for their area and how the Community Cashback Fund can help improve people’s lives.”
He added: “The principle of this fund is that money is spent by the community, for the community, in the community.
“I want people to bring every idea they have to the table, so please do keep an eye out for when your local community conversation will be and play your part in improving your area.”
For more information about the fund visit cheshire-pcc.gov.uk.