Community Crime Fight Funds Open For Bids

Communities across England and Wales will now be able to benefit from a share of over £5 million to help tackle crime and anti-social behaviour, as part of the government's ambition to drive up community activism and build safer neighbourhoods.

The £5 million Innovation fund, which is designed to bring together active citizens and encourage new and creative ways of working to tackle crime, is now open for bids from voluntary and community groups.

Minister for Crime Prevention and Antisocial Behaviour Reduction Baroness Browning said: "Voluntary groups play a vital role in empowering communities to work together to tackle the crime and antisocial behaviour that blights many of our towns and cities.

"This new funding will help us to drive up action, encourage more creative solutions and build safer neighbourhoods for everyone."

National voluntary sector bodies also have the chance to bid for £550,000 through the Support and Modernisation fund, which will provide practical help and advice to local frontline voluntary groups that support Home Office objectives.

Through the introduction of elected Police and Crime Commissioners in 2012, the government is also placing power back in the hands of the people, giving them a proper say in how their local area is policed. At the same time they will free up the police from central government targets and red tape to help officers get back out on the streets fighting crime.

Since January the public have been able to access information about the crime and antisocial behaviour that is happening on their streets via www.police.uk, and find out how to contact their local police if they have concerns about crime and policing in their area.

(BMcN/CD)