The Helping Communities Fund (HCF) has been relaunched with £400,000 on offer. It is made up from money which has been seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and is used to allow communities to invest in their neighbourhoods to improve safety
This money, which changes each year dependent on seizures, cannot be spent on police officers.
The purpose of the HCF is to support local communities who are actively involved in projects which aim to make a positive difference and which make the West Midlands a safer place to live and/or work. All funded projects must contribute to crime prevention & reduction, and community safety in the local area.
Through this funding, the Police & Crime Commissioner is encouraging active public citizenship and a closer working relationship between local communities and West Midlands Police.
The Commissioner has provided each Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU) with a share of the budget to help fund community projects that reflect his aims and the priorities of West Midlands Police. Whilst priority will be given to projects within Impact Areas (see list below) this will not exclude other areas.
Find out more here:
Helping Communities Fund - West Midlands Police & Crime Commissioner (westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk)