A scheme launched to see criminals’ ill gotten gains benefitting local people has already gained ‘a positive response’ according to West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson.

Mr Burns-Williamson said the Safer Communities Fund has been ‘well received’ and he hopes to soon be able to release more money to add to the existing £500,000 fund by continuing to lobby for all of the money seized in criminal activity in West Yorkshire to be returned to benefit the area.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: “I think it has been really well received.”

He added: “The basic principle under the current set-up is 50% of the money goes back to the Government.

“We feel this is not very transparent and I have been proposing the Government look at the criteria as to how the money is allocated.

“The current legislation is over 10 years old and needs updating.”

The Safer Communites Fund will allocate £150,000 to local organisations in four periods throughout the year. Grants will be awarded in line with the priorities set out in the Police and Crime plan. The maximum any organisation can receive is £10,000. The current application period closes on March 14.

For more information about the Safer Communities Fund or to apply go to www.westyorkshire-pcc.gov.uk/safer-communities-fund/how-to-apply.aspx

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