For immediate release:

CASH FROM CRIMINALS GOES TO SOUTH LANARKSHIRE PROJECTS

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has welcomed support through the CashBack for Communities scheme which has provided millions of pounds of funding to community projects across South Lanarkshire.

The programme, led by the Scottish Government, reinvests recovered criminal assets into projects delivering positive futures for young people across Scotland.

Since 2008, over £90 million has been spent on over 2 million projects across Scotland, including almost £3.3 million in South Lanarkshire. Last year, almost £250,000 was provided to projects in the local authority area.

This funding has been targeted at projects supporting young people at risk of anti-social behaviour, those impacted by adverse childhood experiences, and to help under 25’s improve their health and wellbeing.

Universal Connections Rutherglen and Springhall & Whitlawburn Youth Development Team are two local groups which have benefitted from funding under the scheme in 2022/23.

Commenting, Ms Haughey said:

“CashBack for Communities has been a vital support to young people across Rutherglen and Cambuslang.

“The scheme, which has seen over £3 million invested in local projects since 2008, helps people gain access to employment, education and volunteering opportunities.

“‘Every young person in this country should have an equal chance to make the most of their lives regardless of background. Promoting projects that will give our young people new skills, while displaying that crime does not pay, allows for positive life choices to be accentuated.”

ENDS