Greater Manchester Police have announced that they will be reinvesting more than significant amounts of money seized from criminals back into local communities across the region.
Issuing a press release on Monday, 26 September, GMP confirmed that funds secured through shutting down illegal activity will be redistributed via the Asset Recovery Incentivisation Scheme (ARIS).
As explained in the statement, non-profits in the Greater Manchester that can benefit large numbers of people in local areas can once again apply for as much as £20,000 to fund 12 months’ worth of community activities.
Last year the scheme helped dozens of organisations make a direct impact on the local community.
Last year, successful applicants included GetAway’N’GetSafe, which used the money to fund a project which uses sessions delivered directly in schools to encourage young people from Manchester to turn away from a life of crime and inspire them to take control of their futures and achieve their dreams.
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Sadly, for all its charm, Manchester currently sits as the second ‘most dangerous’ city for burglaries and while we look after each other around here, some crime is always going to be inevitable. That’s why initiatives like this are so important.
To be eligible, the activities “must support GMP’s objectives to fight, prevent and reduce crime; keep people safe; and care for victims.”
GMP Superintendent and Head of the Economic Crime and Cyber Unit, Estelle Mathieson, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the many projects which benefit Greater Manchester’s communities.
“Offenders often commit crimes for their own financial gain so this is an important part of the criminal justice system and ensures we can give back in one way or another.”
Mathieson and her specialist Greater Manchester Police task force helped recover over £360,000 of stolen money after shutting down a fraudulent social media company back in June 2021.
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She went on to state how excited local authorities are to see “how this money helps fight, prevent and reduce crime… Ultimately, making Greater Manchester a better place to live, work and visit.”
Major incident declared in response to Greater Manchester wildfires ‘stood down’
Emily Sergeant
The major incident that was declared in response to several wildfires across Greater Manchester has now officially been ‘stood down’.
Nearly a month on from the first blaze breaking out near the popular beauty spot of Dovestone Reservoir in Oldham on 11 July, which then unfortunately went on to merge with a fire at Tintwistle and Swineshaw, prompting a major multi-agency response, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) can now see the light at the end of the tunnel.
The fire service says it has made the decision to ‘stand down’ the major incident that was declared in response to the fires.
It comes after firefighters worked hard in challenging conditions to contain the fire and prevent further spread across the moorland.
Greater Manchester moorland fires are still burning after more than two weeks / Credit: GMFRS
Specialist wildfire resources, command support units, drone technology, and partner agencies were also deployed over the past month as operations continued across multiple sectors.
While the major incident has been stood down, however, GMFRS says it wants to be clear that the fire is ‘not over’ yet.
Issuing a formal statement on the current situation as it stands, GMFRS said: “Reflecting the significant progress that has been made over recent weeks, the fire is now largely contained and the risk of further significant spread reduced substantially.
“This milestone has only been possible because of the outstanding efforts of firefighters, landowners, and partner agencies and organisations, who have shown incredible professionalism, commitment and resilience throughout a challenging and prolonged incident.
“Whilst standing down the major incident is an important step forward, the incident is not over.
“Fire is still present beneath the surface so firefighters will remain at the scene to monitor and contain any fire spread, while working alongside our partners to support ongoing recovery efforts.”
Featured Image – Emma Renly (via Unsplash)
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New Mayor Bev Craig announces FREE bus travel for 11 to 16-year-olds in Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
Thousands of high school children across Greater Manchester are set to benefit from free bus travel next year.
That’s because Greater Manchester’s newly-elected Mayor, Bev Craig, set out plans on her first official day in office yesterday (3 August) to help families with the rising cost of living by extending the already-popular ‘Our Pass’ scheme to give 11 to 16-year-olds free bus travel on the Bee Network from January 2027 onwards.
The move is expected to benefit nearly 200,000 young people across Greater Manchester – saving families up to £500 per child every year.
Applications will open later this year, so families can apply for their pass in advance.
Bev Craig has announced free bus travel for 11 to 16-year-olds in Greater Manchester / Credit: TfGM
Greater Manchester’s successful ‘Our Pass’ scheme was introduced in 2019 and already gives 16-18-year-olds free bus travel to make getting to education, training, and opportunities easier.
But this new extension means that, for the first time, all children between 11 and 18-years-old will be able to travel for free on the region’s buses.
On top of this, in further support for families, Bev has also confirmed that previously-agreed plans to give free bus travel for children in temporary accommodation will be implemented from this September – with this extra support set to be administered by councils and be in place for the new school term.
First day as Mayor of Greater Manchester. I promise to work for everyone, in every town, village and city.
— Mayor of Greater Manchester (@MayorofGM) August 3, 2026
“During my campaign, I promised that I would apply a simple test to every decision I take as Mayor – will it make life better for the people of Greater Manchester? That’s why on day one I’m announcing the extension of Our Pass to give free bus travel to 11 to 16-year-olds,” commented Bev Craig as the move was announced this week.
“This is exactly the kind of decision that passes our test.
“It will put more money in the pockets of thousands of hard-working families, and gives those young people a ticket to all the brilliant opportunities our city region offers.
“Families across Greater Manchester are struggling with the cost of living and I’m using my first day as Mayor to do something practical to make life a bit easier. By launching in January, young people will be boarding the Bee Network for free as they head back to school.”
Danny Jones -
28th September 2022 
