Local projects to benefit from crime proceeds

Local community initiatives are set to benefit from a grants scheme launched by the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner.

Christopher Salmon (pictured) says The Commissioner’s Fund is designed to help improve the lives of the people across force area, including residents of Welshpool and Newtown.

The scheme will offer funding of up to £5,000 for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups to develop ideas that have a positive impact on the area they serve.

The projects are nominated by frontline police officers and Dyfed-Powys Police staff.

The Commissioner, elected last year, said: “The Commissioner’s Fund will help projects which help make our communities safer places.

“Everybody has a part to play in making our neighbourhoods safer, and hundreds of individuals and organisations already volunteer energetically or work hard to help in this process. The Commissioner’s Fund will provide further assistance.”

The grant scheme will be funded by the proceeds of crime awarded to the police and from the sale of unclaimed found property.

Total funds will be reviewed regularly, with the initial six-month period offering £80,000. The deadline for the first round is tomorrow (Friday) with beneficiaries announced in August.

The Commissioner’s Fund will not fund individuals and sole traders, profit-making organisations, statutory bodies and organisations not established in the UK. It also won’t pay for items such as contingency costs, endowments, feasibility studies, items that mainly benefit individuals, alcohol, political or religious activities and projects that the state is obliged to provide.