Community projects across Merseyside to benefit from cash seized from criminals. £5000 for Meols Cop School

Almost 10,000 people from communities across Merseyside are set to benefit from funding from Merseyside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner, using money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). 

Serious and organised crime poses a significant threat to our communities. Merseyside Police is committed to pursuing these criminals with the full force of the law and ensuring that the proceeds of their crimes are spent improving the communities they have brought misery to.

The Community Cashback Fund is one of several initiatives that take place throughout the year to enable Merseyside Police and the Police and Crime Commissioner to reinvest some of the money seized from criminals back into local communities to help provide vital resources and fund community projects across Merseyside. It is aimed at strengthening community resilience by supporting local clubs and groups, which in turn helps to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, promote diversionary activities, and support vulnerable members of the community. 

Following the violence and disorder that took place across Merseyside during the summer of 2024, the Chief Constable and the Police and Crime Commissioner decided to focus this round of funding on projects intended to prevent crime by improving community integration and cohesion and tackling hate crime. This years Community Cashback Fund was launched in October and invited grassroots organisations and community groups across Merseyside to apply for a share of £100,000, up to a maximum of £5,000, from the fund to further develop existing projects or start new ones that focussed on these aims.

150 applications were submitted and these were processed by The Community Foundation who conducted the due diligence process and recommended that 50 of the applications should proceed to the Community Cashback Fund evaluation panel, which met on Monday 16th December 2024 to consider applications.

Chief Constable Serena Kennedy said: “It’s fantastic to see the number of community initiatives that will benefit from money, seized from criminals, under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Our work to stop criminals is ongoing and relentless. It pays dividends when the money, seized by the force through positive and proactive work from criminals, can be shared with worthy causes that benefit the communities.

“Utilising funds seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act to build community cohesion and combat hate crimes is a powerful way to turn the tide against criminal activities. By redirecting these ill-gotten gains into initiatives that promote unity and understanding, we can build stronger, more resilient communities where everyone feels safe and valued.

"I am confident that the positive impact from each and every one of these initiatives will be felt for a long time and I look forward to hearing how they progress in the months and years to come."

Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “Merseyside is no place for hate and crimes of this nature will never be tolerated so I’m delighted that we are able to announce the latest successful beneficiaries of our Community Cashback scheme.

“We’ve all seen what can happen when stereotypes and hate-fuelled attitudes are allowed to fester. They can lead to very serious crimes that can have devastating consequences for marginalised or minority communities and those negative impacts can last a lifetime for victims.

“Nobody should suffer fear, intimidation, and abuse simply because of who they are or the life they lead and even one victim of hate crime, is one too many. We are focused on building and improving community cohesion and resilience whilst promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion.

“These organisations are doing vital work supporting our young people, breaking down barriers, challenging myths and stereotypes and helping to build stronger communities.

“To be able to fund this work using cash taken from criminals, means we can turn bad money into good, giving it to projects that prevent crime, whilst sending a clear message that no matter your race, faith, sexual orientation, gender, or ability, we hear you, we see you and Merseyside is an inclusive region that welcomes all.”  

Meols Cop High School £5,000

To deliver a programme to Year 10 boys on progressive masculinity and their values in society. Workshops will include speeches by prisoners or ex-prisoners as well as inspirational sporting figures such as Paddy the Baddy. Gym sessions will be made available, and the boys will engage with a community outreach programme weekly.