A new pilot fund was launched today to give local people a direct say on how the ill-gotten gains of criminals can be used to benefit their communities.

The £4m Community Cashback scheme will be funded by money and assets seized from wealthy criminal kingpins. The public will be able to choose which worthwhile community projects are funded by feeding in their views to a new dedicated website, neighbourhood policing meetings or through Citizens Panels.

Successful bids will have to show how the local community has been involved in selecting the project, demonstrate good value for money and be related in some way to tackling antisocial or criminal behaviour locally. This could include renovating a vandalised play area, investing in a youth centre or installing security measures on a housing estate.

Until now money recovered from criminals has been split between frontline services, such as the police and Government departments involved with the criminal justice system. This is the first time a portion of that money is being paid back into communities.

Statement from the Home Secretary

Alan Johnson said,'The Community Cashback fund will ensure a portion of the ill-gotten gains of criminals are ploughed back into communities at a grassroots level, funding the projects that the public decide will make the most positive difference to their lives.

'Seizing capital assets deprives criminals of money, reduces the incentive for crime and promotes fairness and confidence in the criminal justice system. But schemes like the Community Cashback fund are only successful if people use them. We are giving local people a stronger voice - I hope they will use it.'

For further details go to:Community Cashback website