Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will have discussions with the police to establish a National Police Trust funded from money seized from the proceeds of crime.

The Government is committed to depriving criminals of their illicit gains and reinvesting recovered proceeds to tackle crime and protect communities.

Funds recovered under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) are distributed via the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS). The Scheme aims to enhance asset recovery performance by incentivising law enforcement agencies to recover criminal assets, and by supporting local and national initiatives that strengthen asset recovery efforts. Its overarching goal is to reduce crime and deliver justice.

Under ARIS, up to 50% of receipts are returned to operational partners, with an additional £13.9 million ring-fenced annually for national and regional capabilities. Agencies, including police forces, have discretion over how ARIS allocations are spent and may choose to support wider initiatives if appropriate.

The Government is committed to reviewing ARIS and is working closely with law enforcement agencies, including policing partners, to ensure the Scheme continues to strengthen asset recovery and the effective reinvestment of criminal proceeds.

Detail on the current use of ARIS funding can be found in the Asset Recovery Statistical Bulletin (ASB) at section 7: Asset recovery statistical bulletin: financial years ending 2020 to 2025.