Correspondence sent by Commissioner Baird to Chris Grayling MP in relation to the new Anti-Social Behaviour Powers
20th October 2014
Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP
Secretary of State
Ministry of Justice
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ
20th October 2014
Dear Secretary of State,
Anti-Social Behaviour Powers
As today sees the launch of the Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, I am taking this opportunity to raise concerns that I have in relation to this matter.
The Government has introduced five new powers which have come in to effect today, which the Government believe will enable the police, local authorities and others to respond quickly and effectively to ASB.
Northumbria Police has worked closely with partners to ensure the smooth implementation of the powers and my office has consulted on the community remedy list with the public in Northumbria clearly favouring the following two options:
Educational or rehabilitative activities 20%
Unpaid work within the community 21%
Local authorities across Northumbria welcome any initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour, but they do have concerns about how the public’s two most popular remedies will be delivered as no extra funding has been made available from Government.
The Government must take ownership of this problem as the public are being invited to take part in this programme, but funding is not available to support these initiatives.
The Police and local government budgets are stretched to capacity, as you will be aware central Government has taken nearly £70 million from the Northumbria Police budget alone and there is literally no extra funding available.
If the government want this programme to be a success, you must ensure that there is funding to support the work of local authorities and the police.
I call upon you to hold urgent meetings with your colleagues to resolve this matter and we can then move forward and deliver a programme that all partners are able to do with confidence and which results in public satisfaction and a reduction in ASB.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best wishes.
Vera Baird QC
Police & Crime Commissioner – Northumbria.
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