Funding award for local partnership to tackle organised crime

A project between local authorities, the constabulary and voluntary organisations to prevent crime in Lancashire has been awarded £950,000 through the government’s Transformation Challenge Award.

The Organised Crime Prevention and Intervention Project which has been co-ordinated by Blackburn with Darwen Council, will bring partners together to identify risks and get involved earlier to prevent people from getting involved with organised crime. This will help protect communities and reduce the costs associated with organisations getting involved at crisis point.

The bid for funding was a partnership between Blackpool Borough Council, Lancashire County Council, Preston City Council, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Burnley Borough Council, Hyndburn Borough Council, Pendle Borough Council, Lancashire Constabulary and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Lancashire.

Work on the Organised Crime Prevention and Intervention Project will include key workers liaising directly with individuals and their families, to address anti-social behaviour and working closely with the communities to tackle the issue.

The Transformation Challenge Award projects aims to improve residents’ health, education and job prospects and reduce the demands they put on public services. The Lancashire bid is one of 73 nationally to be approved by the government.

Local Government Minister Kris Hopkins said:

“The local authorities behind these projects have shown what can be done to improve the services people get, helping them to live independently and reducing demand for public services.”

Councillor Jan Virmani executive member of neighbourhoods, housing and customer services at Blackburn with Darwen Council said “The partnership of local authorities and the police will provide a better chance to give more help to people and communities who are suffering from problems with crime. We are all dedicated to working together to make our communities better places.”