Long announces £389k of additional funding for projects under the Assets Recovery Community Scheme in 2025/2026
Date published:
Justice Minister Naomi Long has announced further funding worth £389k for projects supported through the Assets Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS).
This additional funding follows an increase in confiscation receipts and forms part of the three-year 2024/25 – 2026/27 funding round. It will support 42 projects aimed at making a positive difference by tackling crime and reducing the fear of crime.
The ARCS budget is derived from confiscation orders which may be made following criminal conviction to recover the proceeds of crime. The Scheme supports the Department’s commitment to work in partnership to help build fairer and safer communities.
Naomi Long said:
“I am delighted to announce additional Assets Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS) funding of £389k IN 2025/26. This funding means further investment to benefit victims and the wider community. The money will be spent on a range of initiatives helping to prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime.
“Criminals are motivated by personal gain, and this funding represents more money taken out of their hands and returned to communities. Asset recovery is a vital tool in tackling organised crime and enables communities to see the direct benefits of enforcement action.
“I would also like to thank the members of the Organised Crime Task Force for their continued work in asset recovery, highlighting the importance of confiscation in depriving criminals of their profits.
“We all have an important role in making Northern Ireland a safer place. I would encourage anyone with any concerns to call the police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Notes to editors:
1. Further details about the funding allocations is available at Asset Recovery Community Schemes | Department of Justice
2. Recovering criminal assets is an important focus for the partners of the Organised Crime Task Force. 50% of receipts from paid criminal confiscation orders goes into the ARCS budget, the other 50% continues to be distributed to agencies responsible for the recovery of the assets.
3. Applications were invited from organisations on a reserve list in relation to the existing 2024-2027 ARCS funding round, and operational partners for initiatives that reduce crime, or the fear of crime.
4. Funding allocations for the three-year scheme are:
- Year 1(2024/25) - 43 projects were allocated a total of £443k for services to be delivered in the period up to 31 March 2025.
- Year 2 (2025/26) - 36 projects were allocated a total of £422k for services to be delivered in the period up to 31 March 2026. An additional £389k has been allocated to 42 projects for services to be delivered in the period up to 31 March 2026.
- Year 3 (2026/27) - 32 projects have been allocated a total of £385k for services to be delivered in the period up to March 2027.
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