To ask the Scottish Executive, further to the Cabinet Secretary for Justice’s comments to the Justice Committee on 28 May 2009 that the Scottish Government wants "to ensure that the proceeds of crime go back to agencies so that we have that virtuous circle" and that it "will work with ACPOS to try to strike a balance" ( Official Report , c. 18006), whether it considers that the majority of the money should be reinvested through CashBack for Communities to invest in communities that have suffered crime and in activities that will reduce crime.
The vast majority of recoveries in Scotland under proceeds of crime legislation has been invested through the CashBack for Communities programme, with a commitment of over £30.5 million from 2008-14. Such funds have been used in a positive way to expand young people’s horizons and increase the opportunities they have to develop their interests and skills, demonstrated by over 300,000 young participants across Scotland. This programme remains an effective way to create diversionary activities for young people, focussing their delivery to benefit communities that have suffered as a result of criminal activity.
This commitment includes £6.5 million to Youthlink Scotland to provide funding for projects which further support young people involved, or at risk from violence, alcohol, drugs or antisocial behaviour.