CashBack for Communities

That the Parliament welcomes the publication of the first National Evaluation of the CashBack for Communities Programme: Final Report; notes that, since its launch in 2008, the programme has provided over 1.5 million positive opportunities and activities for young people across Scotland; welcomes the fact that this uniquely Scottish CashBack for Communities programme is being funded by over £74 million recovered from criminals using the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002; notes that the independent report highlights the significant impact that the programme is delivering; believes that every effort should be made to ensure further progress in recovering money from those who profit from crime, and believes that funds obtained from the proceeds of crime should continue to be focused on projects in communities across Scotland as well as those particularly affected by crime and antisocial behaviour and, in so doing, continue to tackle breaking the cycle of youth offending in communities.