Seized criminal cash to fund anti-hate projects

Emily Spurrell described scenes of violent disorder as "shocking and appalling"

Cash seized from criminals is set to be used for projects which will focus on bringing communities together, a police and crime commissioner has said.

Organisations across Merseyside have been invited to apply for a share of £100,000 to run projects which would promote diversity, equality and inclusion in the wake of recent violent disorder.

The funding comes from money taken from criminals through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) which is then invested into good causes in communities through the Community Cashback Fund.

Emily Spurrell said the move would "tackle hate crime at the earliest opportunity and focus on building and improving community cohesion and resilience".

Emily Spurrell said the cash would go to organisations working to "make areas safer"

"The scenes of violence we saw in our region last month were shocking and appalling," Ms Spurrell said.

"It was not protest. It was mindless crime and disorder motivated and manipulated by racism and islamophobia and all those involved are now feeling the full force of the law."

She said it was "a sad reminder that if stereotypes and hate-fuelled attitudes are allowed to fester it can lead to very serious crimes that have devastating consequences on many lives".

But she added in the wake of the riots people "saw the very best of our region as communities came together to help each other to cope and recover".

'Make areas safer'

She said: "Through this funding we want to support those brilliant local organisations which are working to prevent crime and make their areas safer and stronger.

"By taking the cash out of the pockets of those who bring misery to our communities and investing it into these projects, we can effectively turn bad money into good."

About 20 grants have been made available for projects which have a focus on improving understanding of minority communities, raising awareness of the impact of hate crime and challenging harmful attitudes towards other people.

The fund is being managed by the Community Foundation for Merseyside and applications can be made until 14 October.