CRIMINAL’S CASH TO BE REINVESTED IN YOUTH

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has announced that £8m confiscated from Criminal is to be reinvested for the benefit of Scotland’s communities.

West of Scotland MSP Stuart McMillan has said “We must promote good behaviour as well as punish bad behaviour. I am delighted that the Justice Secretary has announced that thanks to the increasing amounts of money that is confiscated from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, a new approach to reinvesting that money to benefit Scotland's communities is to be established. The money is to be targeted at communities who are hit hardest by crime.

“By this autumn, the Scottish Government will have about £8 million to reinvest in services and activities that will make a difference to young people's lives. I understand out government is to seek early talks with a range of key players to determine the best way in which to make a visible impact where it is needed”.

Kenny MacAskill said of the confiscated funds that “There is such a thing as society. Individuals are responsible for their actions and the government is responsible for all our communities. Where that culture flourishes, we will support it. Where it is fading, we will rekindle it. Where it is undermined and abused, we will fight for it”.