Bill Kidd, SNP MSP for Glasgow Anniesland, called on the Minister for Victims and Community Safety to provide and update on the Cashback for Communities Programme.

The Cashback for Communities is a unique Scottish Government programme which uses the funds recovered from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act to expand young people’s horizons and increase opportunities they have to develop their interests and skills. The fund is aimed at young people at risk of entering the criminal justice system and the communities most affected by crime.

In response to Bill Kidd’s question, Siobhian Brown, the Minister for Victims and Community Safety explained that: “During the current phase 6 of the programme, which runs to March 2026, we are providing funding of up to £20 million to 29 partner organisations, with the projects aiming to reach around 34,000 children and young people.”

The Minister mentioned that in 2023-24, there were more than 15,000 young people who were supported in improving their wellbeing, reducing their involvement in the criminal justice system and moving towards a positive destination.

She went on to say that the annual impact report shows that the programme is exceeding all its targets.

Some key outcomes included: “4,300 young people reporting reduced involvement in antisocial or criminal activity; more than 8,300 reporting improved health and wellbeing; and more than 64,000 volunteering hours to support local communities.”

Continuing from this, Bill requested an update on the phase 7 funding and the timeline for when applications would open. The Minister explained that the plans would be announced later in the year, with the funding set to be in place by March 2026, when the current phase concludes.

Commenting, Bill said that “I encourage all partners to keep an eye out for the next phase of funding and hope for continued success with the programme. The work being done to support our young people and steer them away from negative influences is invaluable, and I look forward to seeing even more positive outcomes in the future.”