By KLTV Newsdesk –

Mayor Tracy Brabin says new scheme will put power and funding directly into the hands of local residents

Half a million pounds is set to be invested in communities across West Yorkshire as part of a new initiative aimed at tackling serious violence.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin has announced the launch of a new ‘People’s Fund’, forming part of her ongoing work to develop a co-produced serious violence strategy for the region.

Funding for Every District

Under the scheme, up to £100,000 will be allocated to each district, with community groups and organisations able to bid for grants of up to £10,000.

In a move designed to put communities at the heart of decision-making, the final projects will be chosen by local residents.

The announcement comes as the mayor meets community representatives and leaders at a key event in Huddersfield today (21/01), which will help shape the region’s serious violence strategy.

Mayor of West Yorkshire Tracy Brabin said: “This ‘People’s Fund’ will empower local communities to deliver solutions that they know will make the biggest impact.

“By giving them the resources they need at their disposal, we can turn their ideas into action.

“Using this money recovered from criminals, we are investing back into our neighbourhoods, preventing more lives being lost to the scourge of serious violence.”

Addressing All Forms of Serious Violence

Submissions to the ‘People’s Fund’ can focus on any aspect of serious violence, including knife crime, gangs, organised crime, or violence against women and girls.

The fund will be supported by the West Yorkshire Community Leaders Network, which works closely with grassroots organisations across the county.

Zola Bromley, Chair of the West Yorkshire Community Leaders Network, said: “The ‘People’s Fund’ is a powerful statement of trust in communities and their ability to lead solutions to serious violence. Local knowledge and lived experience are critical to effective prevention and strong community-led solutions.

“We see every day how trusted relationships, early intervention, and community-led action can make a real difference.

“Supporting this work, ensures funding reaches the people and places that understand their communities best, with decisions informed by real insight into what works on the ground rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Community Leaders Recognised

The Huddersfield event will also see graduates from the latest West Yorkshire Community Leaders Programme receive their course certificates, recognising their role in strengthening local leadership and prevention efforts.

Next Steps and Further Information

Full terms and conditions for the ‘People’s Fund’ will be published on the West Yorkshire Combined Authority website from Thursday 22 January 2026.

For further information, residents and organisations can email: Consultation.PC@westyorks-ca.gov.uk

Progress in Tackling Serious Violence

The launch of the fund comes alongside evidence of progress already being made across West Yorkshire:

• In the 12 months to December 2025, knife crime involving victims under 25 fell by almost 16% compared to the previous year.
• During 2024/25, the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership reached more than 15,000 young people under 24, and over 1,000 people aged 25 and above.
• Partners across the county have been trained to deliver a virtual reality immersive learning package on knife crime to support young people.
• More than £3 million has already been invested through the Mayor’s Safer Communities Fund to tackle serious violence, including support for the Build element of the Clear, Hold, Build (CHB) framework developed by the Home Office to combat serious and organised crime.