Thursday November 16th 2023
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson
Local MSP Christine Grahame has marked 15 years of making crime pay in Midlothian.
Speaking in a Holyrood debate last week to commend the CashBack for Communities Programme, which is now in its 15th year, Ms Grahame highlighted that more than £1.5 million has been invested in projects in Midlothian.
The programme is unique to Scotland and reinvests money recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 in projects aimed at diversion from antisocial behaviour, provision of positive activity, support for wellbeing, and building confidence and skills for young people.
Ms Grahame said: “Projects in the Midlothian received £110,926 this year, bringing the total investment in projects in the area to £1,508,217.
“The money has gone to a wide variety of projects, including the motorbike, boxing and general sports and fitness academies run by RUTS who I recently visited at Penicuik. I saw the work being done to engage young people through the Boxing Academy, helping them to gain coaching certificates and providing opportunities to volunteer in local clubs. This is a great example of how this funding can help young people to learn valuable skills and gain a positive outlook on their future.”
Since its inception, the programme has committed £130 million to supporting around 1.3 million young people, reinvesting criminal assets to provide support to young people at risk of entering the criminal justice system and communities impacted by crime.
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