CashBack for Communities

30 September 2025

A new report from CashBack for Communities has been published, detailing the effects the programme has had on the lives of children and young people in Scotland.  

The programme takes criminal assets gathered via the Proceeds of Crime Act and invests them into projects supporting children and young people in Scotland, including projects delivering support for young people at risk of offending or being involved in anti-social behaviour, for families and communities affected by crime, and to help children and young people improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing.  

The 2024-25 Impact Report outlines the impact the programme has had on over 15,000 young people from across Scotland, with 11,800 reporting an increase in their wellbeing and 10,524 reporting positive changes in behaviour.  

The programme has worked alongside 29 partner organisations and £6.2 million in funding over the past year. The current funding phase began in April 2023 and will run until March 2026.  

The Minister for Victims and Community Safety Siobhian Brown said of the report:  

“This report highlights the success of the CashBack for Communities programme which helps to divert young people from crime and anti-social behaviour and to make informed choices about their future — choices that positively impact them, their families and communities.  

“It is more than an early intervention programme - partners provide a range of support and activities offering safe spaces, trusted adults and opportunities that benefit young people to feel supported and inspired to thrive."