A new phase has been announced for the Scottish Government’s CashBack for Communities programme, with a significant increase in funding available.
The programme will strengthen communities across Scotland by supporting young people at risk of involvement in antisocial behaviour, offending or reoffending. The funding, which reinvests criminal assets recovered through the Proceeds of Crime Act, will provide the opportunities and the tools to support young people to make informed decisions about their future.
Funding will open to applications from Thursday 12 June and will provide up to £26 million from April 2026 to end of March 2029.
In this phase, CashBack partners will deliver early and effective prevention activities for children and young people aged 10-25. By strengthening ties with local communities, we will provide positive activities for young people facing the greatest challenges.
This phase will focus on:
- Providing safe spaces and suitable activities for young people to combat boredom, frustration, and isolation, which can contribute to antisocial behaviours.
- Supporting young people to understand their own value and become positive influences and leaders within their communities.
- Delivering holistic support for particularly vulnerable young people which includes their family or care environment. Where a young person may have the potential to come into conflict with the law, support will be extended for family and caregivers.
- Offering support for young people who are already in conflict with the law to reflect on past behaviours and work towards a more positive future.
