Agenda 21The UK played a key role at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, which drew up a framework for future action on sustainable development across the globe (Agenda 21). Sustainable development aims to protect and enhance the environment to ensure better quality of life for everyone now and for generations to come. It encompasses environmental, social and economic goals, and aims to satisfy people’s basic needs, such as providing warm homes and safe streets and giving people the opportunity to achieve their potential through education, information, participation and good health. Since Rio, UK LAs have led the way internationally in implementing local sustainable development action plans in partnership with local communities. The Government is committed to all LAs in the UK adopting Local Agenda 21 strategies by the year 2000. (Lead Dept: DETR) |
Alcohol strategyThe Dept. Health is to publish the Government's proposals for a comprehensive national alcohol national strategy, in the near future. This will be based on the White Paper Our Healthier Nation which sets out the Government's broad aims, concerning sensible drinking, providing services to tackle alcohol abuse, and protecting individuals and communities from anti-social and criminal behaviour related to alcohol misuse. (http://www.official-documents.co.uk/document/cm43/4386/4386-09.htm) In advance of that, work is being done to tackle the crime and disorder problems associated with alcohol misuse via an Action Plan. This action plan sets out key objectives and priorities for taking forward programmes of work to tackle alcohol related crime, disorder and nuisance. The plan describes a range of initiatives to help tackle these problems, and provides a context for developing new ideas and innovative approaches, as part of local strategies, to address alcohol-related crime, disorder and nuisance. It has been drawn up following two alcohol and crime seminars, which have drawn on the support and commitment of a wide range of interested parties, including the police, local authorities, representatives of the licence trade, magistrates and others, all of whom will be critical to ensuring the success of the ideas and programmes set out in this plan. The aim is to encourage local action to reduce levels of alcohol-related crime, disorder and nuisance. Three specific objectives have been identified: · to reduce the problems arising from under-aged drinking · to reduce public drunkeness · to prevent alcohol-related violence http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/alcohol1.htm (Lead department: OH/DH.) |
Beacon Council statusLocal Authorities (LAs) have been invited to apply for Beacon Council status. Beacon status has been awarded to LAs for excellence in a particular service or cross-cutting service area. As part of the Beacon Council Scheme for 1999-2000, one of the areas councils could apply was under "services that prevent local shopping area and town centre crime and disorder". Further information can be found at: http://www.idea.gov.uk/beacons/safety1.html |
Best ValueThe duty of Best Value, which the Local Government Act, 1999 applies to all principal LAs and a number of other bodies operating within the local government finance system (including police authorities), is designed to deliver real and sustained improvements in the quality of services which local people receive. It requires authorities to set themselves demanding targets for service improvements, and to report to local people on the level of performance achieved and the manner in which services are delivered. Authorities are further required to demonstrate that their approach is consistent with priorities of local people as expressed via consultation. Best Value became operational in England on 1 April 2000. Where authorities fail to meet the duty, Ministers will have a wide range of powers to tackle those failures, and ensure that local people receive the quality of public services, which they deserve and are entitled to expect. For further information on relevant Best Value Indicators which impact on crime, disorder, and anti-social behaviour see Best Value & Audit Commission Performance Indicators for 2000/2001, DETR (1999) (Lead department: DETR.) |
Child and Adolescent Mental Health ServicesThe National Priorities Guidance for the NHS and Social Services (http://www.doh.gov.uk/npg) has defined new objectives for improving the provision of appropriate, high-quality care and treatment for children and young people by building up locally-based Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). This will be achieved through improving staffing levels and training provision at all tiers and improving liaison between primary care, specialist CAMHS, social services and other agencies. Given that research indicates that a significant number of anti-social behaviour cases involve someone with a mental health problem either as a perpetrator or victim, in addition to drug/alcohol and substance abuse being a contributory factor, local Crime & Disorder Partnerships should ensure that their strategies/action plans complement or incorporate these national objectives, which will assist in tackling such behaviour. (Lead Department: Dept Health.) |
Children's Fundhttp://www.dfee.gov.uk/news/news.cfm?PR_ID=1092A new £450 million Children’s Fund to help tackle child poverty and social exclusion was launched on 15th November 2000. The Fund gives children and young people a voice across Government. Early intervention will help vulnerable children before they are caught by the cycle of poverty and disadvantage. The Fund will be managed by the new Children and Young People’s Unit, and includes preventative services for 5-13 year olds and their families, and a local network that will channel money straight to local projects and be administered by voluntary sector organisations. The work of the Children and Young People’s Unit will include:
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Community Legal Servicehttp://www.legalservices.gov.uk The development of the Community Legal Service (CLS) recognises that many people suffer through poor access to good-quality legal advice to help them resolve potential or actual disputes (including aspects of anti-social behaviour) and enforce their rights effectively. The CLS will create the framework for local networks of legal services, to include solicitors, Citizens Advice Bureaux, law centres, Local Authority services and independent community advice centres. Community Legal Service Partnerships (CLSPs) will co-ordinate the funding and provision of services in its area. The CLSPs will create local networks of services by developing active referral systems between the individual providers so that the person with the problem will get the right help. Throughout England & Wales, the total number of CLPs now stands 142, involving 265 Local Authorities, and covering over 66% of the population. It is the aim that 90% of the country should be covered by CLSPs by Spring 2002.. The Best Practice Guidance Manual on Community Legal Services is now available via the website address set out above. More about Community Legal Service (Lead department: Lord Chancellor’s Dept.) |
Crime Reduction ProgrammeThe Government has committed £250 million over the next three years to the Crime Reduction Programme.
The programme will cover five broad themes.
More about the
Crime Reduction Programme (Lead Department: Home Office.) |
Dog Fouling of Land Act, 1996http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk This Act was introduced to bring in a new national offence of failing to clear up after one’s dog in most public places, by means of a fixed penalty scheme. The Act enables LAs to designate which land the Act applies to without having to list or describe every piece of land individually. For further information on dog fouling; the scale of the problem; related legislation & byelaws and what can be done see: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/localenv/dogs/foul.htm |
Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain: The Governments Ten-Year Strategy for Tackling Drugshttp://www.official-documents.co.uk/document/cm39/3945/3945.htm Produced in 1998, the Cross-Departmental strategy has four elements:
Partnership is seen essential at every level. At Government level, the work is led by the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Drug Misuse chaired by Ann Taylor and by other groups chaired by Keith Hellawell and his Deputy Mike Trace. These bring together key players in the field from the statutory, voluntary and private sectors and others with an interest. They work closely with the local partnerships set up by Drug Action Teams. The Drug Action Teams are the critical link in the chain, ensuring that this strategy is translated into concrete action. To assist in that, detailed guidance notes are being issued to those working in the field putting this strategy into practice. |
Drug Action TeamsDrug Action Teams (DATs) are a mechanism for co-ordination of anti-drugs activity in a specified local area. DATs should include all chief officers of agencies with responsibilities for tackling aspects of the drug problem: police, probation, prisons, health, LAs, social services, education and youth services. By participating in the DAT, each agency will be enabled to take the wider strategic view of the local area’s drug problem and to ensure that their operational responses are better co-ordinated and effective.Local Crime & Disorder Partnerships should ensure that their strategic and operational plans incorporate and complement the objectives of both the DAT and its key partners in relation to drugs. This will ensure agreed individual, joint action and consistency aimed at increased effectiveness. (Lead department: Cabinet Office & Home Office) |
Drug Arrest Referral SchemesThe Government is establishing Drug Arrest Referral Schemes in all police custody suites to encourage drug-misusing offenders into treatment and out of crime. These schemes will involve a mixture of on-site and on-call drug workers, managed and supported by drug agencies. See Arrest Referral: Emerging Lessons From Research, which provides evidence that such schemes can be effective on reducing drug use and drug-related crime http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/drugsalcohol3.htm (Lead Department: HO) |
Drugs Prevention Advisory ServiceAn extra £217 million is being spent on tackling the drugs problem, with over £70 million going to health and LAs to provide new treatment programmes, including a significant proportion for young people at risk. A new drugs prevention advisory service has been set up and £21 million has been allocated to support education in schools. The Government has a ministerial group looking at ways of tackling the problem of alcohol misuse by children. It has secured a strengthened industry code of practice to guard against irresponsible marketing of alcoholic drinks and has ensured that the industry’s proof of age scheme is expanded to help prevent children obtaining alcohol unlawfully. The group has also ensured that complementary action is taken by the courts and police and across Government departments. More about the Drugs Prevention Advisory Service (Lead department: Home Office) |
Drugs Treatment & Testing Ordershttp://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/cdact/cdaint19.htm Introduced under sections 61-64 of the Crime & Disorder Act 1998, the Drug Treatment and Testing Order, is aimed at preventing further offending by those who are convicted of crime(s) to fund their drug habit and who show a willingness to co-operate with treatment. It targets those offenders who are having a disproportionately disruptive effect on their communities as a result of their drug misuse so that they can be put on a fast track into treatment. It is envisaged that the vast majority of suitable candidates will be convicted of acquisitive crimes, committed in order to obtain money to buy drugs. Offenders convicted of drug supply who are themselves habitual misusers, and are otherwise suitable for a community sentence, can also be considered. Section 61 allows the court, with the offender's consent, to make an order requiring the offender to undergo treatment for their drug problem, either in tandem with another community order, or on its own. Once agreed to, the testing is mandatory. This order is available for offenders aged 16 or over whom the court considers to be dependent on drugs and are assessed as being suitable candidates for treatment. It is a community order, within the meaning of section 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991, and will last between six months and three years. See also Guidance for Practitioners involved in Drug Treatment & Testing Order Pilots http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/docs/dttguid.html Drug Treatment & Testing Orders: Final Evaluation Report http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/pdfs/hors212.pdf (Lead Department: HO) |
Education Action Zoneshttp://www.standards.dfee.gov.uk/excellance/guidance_info.html Education Action Zones have been established to develop imaginative approaches to raising standards in disadvantaged urban and rural areas. There are 73 zones, which cover 1,400 schools. The Report of Policy Action Team 12, ‘Young People’ revealed clear links between poor neighbourhoods; under achievement in education; experience of crime & anti-social behaviour as victims and perpetrators; teenage pregnancy; and a range of health issues. Local Crime & Disorder Partnerships should ensure synergy between the strategies of the Education Action Zones and Crime Reduction Strategies by carrying out joint analysis of key trends and risks in their area, sharing views and using information better; and agreeing individual and joint action to tackle crime & anti-social behaviour. More about Education Action Zones (Lead department: Dept. Education & Employment) |
Employment Action Zoneshttp://www.dfee.gov.uk/ez/index.htm This initiative aims to help long term unemployed people into sustainable work & independence by pooling funds for training, and employment service support. |
Excellence in CitiesExcellence in Cities, which was launched in March 1999, is a new programme to raise standards and to change parental expectations of city education in six of the largest conurbations - London, Manchester/Salford, Liverpool/Knowsley, Birmingham, Leeds/Bradford and Sheffield/Rotherham. A total of £350 million is being invested over three years. Measures include Beacon Schools, learning mentors and summer schools for gifted students. More about Excellence in Cities (Lead department: DfEE.) |
Health Act, 1999http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1999/19990008.htm The Health Act, 1999 created new powers for the NHS and LAs to work effectively together through flexible arrangements including pooled budgets, lead commissioning and integrated provisions. These powers came into effect in April 2000. Contact DH to find out whether partnerships via NHS &LA can invoke the legislation for extending the coverage of combined arrest referral schemes and community care services for alcohol/drug misusers, people with mental health problems.) (Lead department: DH.) |
Health Action ZonesThese are seven-year programmes between the National Health Service, local authorities, community groups, the voluntary sector and business to develop & implement a health strategy to deliver within their area measurable improvements in public health. They also aim to achieve service modernisation by increasing effectiveness, efficiency and responsiveness of services by working in partnership, adding value through creating synergy between the work of different agencies. (Lead Dept: Dept of Health) |
Housing Investment Programme'The Housing Investment Programme Guidance Notes for Local Authorities (1999) Annex A: The Policy Context 2000 Housing Investment Programme' advises that in areas of low housing demand it is vital that the Housing Strategy makes the connection to other services that are key to tackling problems related to low demand e.g. crime and anti-social behaviour. Authorities will need to work with a range of partners in carrying forward the strategy, and consult fully with the local community, including black and minority ethnic residents. Specific reference is made to the Policy Action Team 7 Report: 'Unpopular Housing' The report recommends considering the problems of anti-social behaviour in low demand areas, including looking at organised criminal activity, which forces residents to leave their properties, and how to deal with crime in areas of abandonment; and the use of concierges and neighbourhood wardens, in housing strategies to tackle low demand, especially where crime and anti-social behaviour is a factor. Crime & Disorder Partnerships could liaise with Local Authorities to ensure that Housing Strategies promote such activities and incorporate social & situational measures to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime. More details on the Housing Investment Programme (Lead department: DETR.) |
Investing in PolicingThere will be a 21% increase in spending on the police from 2001/02 to 2003/04. This will help increase recruitment and help the service benefit from latest developments in anti-crime technology. The Government is:
(Lead Department: HO) |
Litter & Refuse Code of Practice 1999http://www.encams.org/bestpractice/litterandrefuse.asp?Sub=0&Menu=0.26.15.154.239 This provides good practice advice; assessing the problem; effective enforcement; and action beyond litter duties. The British Crime Survey 2000 reveals that litter is associated with high levels of disorder. This can impact upon communities concern about crime and the fear of crime. http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/rds/bcs1.html (Lead Department: DETR) |
The Local Government Association New Commitment to RegenerationThe Local Government Association's New Commitment to Regeneration is based on the preparation of comprehensive, bottom-up regeneration strategies at Local Authority (LA) level. This is being done by local partnerships including the LA, public sector bodies, business and community/voluntary groups. The strategies are concerned with the broad agenda of social, environmental and economic regeneration. This incorporates community safety issues e.g. crime and anti-social behaviour. |
Reform of the Mental Health Act, 1983On 16 November 1999, DH published the Green Paper Reform of the Mental Health Act, 1983. This proposes the first major overhaul of mental health legislation since the Royal Commission in the 1950s. The focus is on managing risk and providing better health outcomes for patients in a way that strikes the right balance between public safety and the right of individuals. The key changes proposed in the Green Paper include:
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Mental Health Serviceshttp://www.doh.gov.uk/mentalhealth.htm Modernising Mental Health Services sets out a comprehensive strategy aimed at improving adult mental health services, including services for mentally disordered offenders. £700 million is being made available over the next three years to support service development in health and social services. (Lead department: DH.) See also http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/cpd/persdis.htm 'Managing Dangerous People with Severe Personality Disorder' - proposals for policy development Home Office/Department of Health 1999' which sets out the Government's policy objectives for one particular high-risk group of those with mental disorder problems, who pose a high risk to other people because of serious anti-social behaviour resulting from their personality disorder, (Lead department: HO.) |
Neighbourhood Support FundThe Neighbourhood Support Fund is intended to re-engage disaffected and disengaged 16-17 year olds living on the poorest estates into education, training and employment. Through innovative fund-supported projects, these young people will have the opportunity to develop their self-esteem, skills and knowledge and thereby become ‘learning ready’. The added benefit is that such young people will be diverted away from crime & anti-social behaviour. Projects will be locally based, run by community organisations working with young people known to them. More details on the Neighbourhood Support Fund (Lead department: DfEE.) |
Neighbourhood Warden Schemeshttp://www.neighbourhood.gov.uk/page.asp?id=568 Neighbourhood Wardens are relatively new to this country and following the publication of the Policy Action Team Report 6 on Neighbourhood Wardens the Government introduced a number of measures. A Neighbourhood Wardens Unit was established to promote warden initiatives and to manage a grants programme of £13.5 million to introduce Warden Schemes across England & Wales. Warden roles differ. Most have common aims of reducing crime, tackling anti-social behaviour and the fear of crime, while contributing positively to community support, housing management and quality of life. The Association of Chief Police Officers have developed a list of fundamental principals all Warden Schemes should adhere to entitled 'Working the Beat'. These are incorporated into the Neighbourhood Wardens Grant Programme. Fifty Neighbourhood Warden Schemes have been approved with a further 42 deferred for further development. The Neighbourhood Wardens Unit has established a Technical Support Team to assist schemes and have issued guidance on implementation plans and induction training. A regular newsletter will be produced and good practice seminars will be organised on a regional basis. For information on identifying community needs & problems; developing local responses; action planning; risk assessing; monitoring & evaluating Neighbourhood Warden Schemes see http://www.crimereduction.gov.uk/wardens8.htm For direct access to a Neighbourhood Warden Scheme Application/Implementation Form see http://www.neighbourhood.gov.uk/publications.asp?did=409 Information on Neighbourhood Warden Schemes; the problems they address, the methods they employ, their scale & funding, in addition to 50 case studies evaluating their effectiveness see J. Jacobson, E. Saville, Neighbourhood Warden Schemes: An Overview (1999)Home Office, Policing & Crime Reduction Unit, Crime Reduction Research Series Paper 2. The DETR have commissioned the London School of Economics to produce a research report into eight Neighbourhood Warden Schemes which is due to be published in November 2000 |
New Deal for CommunitiesThe New Deal for Communities (NDC) is designed to tackle multiple deprivation in the very poorest neighbourhoods in an integrated way. It is providing intensive help to reduce crime, improve health and educational attainment and improve job prospects. Crime and anti-social behaviour ranks high in its list of priorities because of the debilitating effects they can have in driving out business from a community, trapping people in their homes at the expense of community development and encouraging the economically active to leave an area altogether. NDC has resources of £800 million over the next three years to support this programme which aims to bring together local people, community and voluntary organisations, public agencies, LAs and business in an intensive local focus to tackle the problems inherent in these neighbourhoods. Seventeen LA districts have been selected as eligible Pathfinder Areas, because their problems are so severe, and are now developing their local programmes. More areas will be included in the programme in later years. Local Crime & Disorder Partnerships should ensure synergy between the strategies of the NDC area and Crime Reduction Strategy by carrying out joint analysis of key crime & anti-social behaviour trends and risks, sharing views and information; and agree action to tackle crime & anti-social behaviour in the NDC area. This will contribute to shared objectives and targets, which are more likely to succeed. More on the New Deal for Communities (Lead department: DETR.) |
New StartNew Start aims to motivate and re-engage 14-17 year olds who have dropped out of learning or who are at risk of doing so. At its heart is a multi-agency partnership working at local level. Young people needing extra help in difficult circumstances are being targeted by local partnerships in order to bring them back into learning. Funds have been made available to develop New Start activity throughout the country during 1999-2000. (Lead department: DfEE.) |
Noise Attitude SurveyA Noise Attitude Survey of the adult population in England and Wales is being conducted in order to establish the current attitudes to and reported effects of exposure to the most widespread kinds of environmental noise. Results are expected in early 2001. A Noise Incidence Survey is also being carried out to provide a measurement of change in the noise climate. Results are also expected in early 2001. A Noise Incidence Survey is also being carried out to provide a measurement of change in the noise climate. Results are also expected in early 2001. For further information on Noise Nuisance see: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/noise/research.htm (Lead department: DETR) Review of Noise Act 1996 - DETR is seeking views on the final report of the review of the Noise Act 1996 which was carried out to:
The report is available at http://www.detr.gov.uk/consult.htm The consultation period ends 30 March 2001 |
On TrackThe On Track multiple intervention programme is a long-term crime reduction programme aimed at children, aged 4-12, at risk of developing offending behaviour. It will be planned on the basis that it will run for 7-10 years. Overall the programme will be looking to see outcomes rising towards a 50 per cent drop in truancy and exclusions within 2-3 years and a 50 per cent reduction in offending by young people within 7-10 years. The day-to-day responsibility for the programme rests with the Family Policy Unit of HO. There will be 20-30 pilots operating in high-crime, high-deprivation communities in England and Wales. They will build on and link together those existing services and initiatives for children and families that can play a role in reducing the likelihood of offending in later life. On Track will add value to existing work by: creating a greater focus on early crime prevention among key service providers; improving co-ordination of services for this age group; fostering the development of evidence-based models; and providing hard information about what works best in terms of crime prevention and methods of inter-agency co-operation. The aim is to choose the pilot areas by spring 2000 and have implementation under way by the autumn. (Lead department: HO) |
Quality Protectshttp://www.doh.gov.uk/qualityprotects/index.htm This programme is a key part of the Government's wider strategy for tackling social exclusion. It focuses on working with some of the most disadvantaged and vulnerable ‘at risk’ children in society ; those children looked after by councils in the child protection system; and other children in need. The key elements are: new national Government objectives for children’s services: an important role for local councillors in delivering the programme; and annual evaluation of local authority performance against Action Plans; and a new children’s service grant of £375 million. A key aim is to ensure that children leaving care are not isolated, and can participate socially & economically as citizens as they enter adulthood. (Lead department: DH) |
Reducing Public Disorder: The Role of Fixed Penalty Notices-A Consultation Paperhttp://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/docs/rpdrofpn.pdf Proposals to tackle disruptive and anti-social behaviour in public places which can significantly undermine the quality of individuals' & communities' lives are contained in a consultation paper which sets out plans for the use of Fixed Penalty Notices. The aim of the Fixed Penalty Notice system is to enable police to put an immediate stop to disorderly behaviour, provide a swift punishment and have in effect a deterrent which takes up as little police time as possible. The Government believes there are a number of disorder offences suitable to be dealt with by the Fixed Penalty system, including: drunkenness in public; disorderly behaviour; threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour; the purchase of alcohol by or on behalf of under 18s on licensed premises; minor cases of criminal damage e.g. graffiti. The consultation paper outlines the Government's preference for a Fixed Penalty Notice in the region of £100 but points out that comments are welcome on this. It is also proposing to include 16-17 year olds in the fixed penalty scheme along with adults, subject to the same maximum fine. (See 'Reducing Public Disorder: The Role of Fixed Penalty Notices - A Consultation Paper', Home Office September 2000 (Lead Department: HO) |
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000Part II of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, governs the use of covert surveillance. It was brought into force to ensure that surveillance operations are properly regulated and fully compliant with the Human Rights Act. Crime & Disorder Partnerships (particularly, the police and local authorities) will need to have due regard to Part II of the RIP Act 2000 when considering the use of informants and/or Professional Witnesses to gather Anti-Social Behaviour evidence. Further information & Codes can be obtained at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/crimpol/crimreduc/regulation/ (Lead Department: HO) |
Single Regeneration BudgetSRB brought together a number of programmes from several Government departments with the aim of simplifying and streamlining the assistance available for regeneration. SRB’s priority is to enhance the quality of life of local people in areas of need by tackling the multiple problems of crime, anti-social behaviour, poor educational attainment, unemployment, lack of cultural and leisure facilities. The SRB is providing over £2.4 billion from 1999 to 2002 for partnership-based initiatives. £770 million of this is ‘new’ money, and Round 5 (1998 will attract over £2.4 billion of private sector and European Union money).Local Crime & Disorder Partnerships can assist SRB partnerships by providing monitoring information on crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour, and risk factors. Some local Crime & Disorder Partnerships have secured SRB funds for managing specific crime/anti-social behaviour initiatives. More details on the Single Regeneration Budget (Lead department: DETR.) |
Sure StartSure Start is a new inter-departmental Government strategy aimed at children under 4 and their families. The aim of Sure Start is to work with pre-school children to promote their physical, intellectual and social development – particularly those who are disadvantaged – to ensure they are ready to thrive when they get to school. Sure Start is based upon various studies which have shown that initiatives, which target children, their families, their schools and friends, can prevent criminality, anti-social behaviour and/or reduce risk factors. The Sure Start aims will be delivered through Sure Start programmes. The Government has set aside £452 million to fund at least 250 such programmes across England by 2002. Each programme is run by a partnership involving local stakeholders. The evaluation of the Sure Start programme will assess how these children progress later on in childhood and into their teenage years by tracking contact with the criminal justice system, drug related crime, levels of economic activity and teenage smoking and pregnancy. Crime & Disorder Partnerships can complement or incorporate the objectives and targets of this programme to increase success. (Lead department: DfEE.) |
Speaking up for Justice/Victims & Witness SupportThe Speaking up for Justice report, published by the Home Secretary in 1998, put forward 78 proposals designed to encourage and support vulnerable or intimidated witnesses to give their best evidence in criminal cases. Part II of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act, 1999 contains those recommendations that required legislation. This provides for a range of special measures. In November 1999, the Government published Action for Justice, the implementation plan for all the recommendations in Speaking up for Justice, including the legislation, the supporting guidance and training, and the installation of the necessary equipment in courts e.g. use of screens, live TV links, and video recorded interviews. The timetable includes implementing the witness intimidation measures, issuing a witness protection protocol, and completing guidance to the police on dealing with witnesses subject to harassment, by spring 2000. Most special measures will be implemented in the Crown Court and Youth Courts by the end of 2000. (Lead department: HO.) |
Town centresThe Government's Urban White Paper 'Our Towns & Cities: The Future' was launched on 16th November 2000. It includes the following key measures:
Local Government Association comments & briefing are available at: http://www.gov.uk/lga/1news.htm (Lead department: DETR.) |
Truancy and school exclusionThe Government is committed to reducing levels of truancy and school exclusion by one third by 2002. DfEE’s Social Inclusion Pupil Support grant will be providing nearly £500 million over the next three years to support effective action against truancy and school exclusion. The new programme will also make sure that for the first time all pupils excluded for more than three weeks will receive a full-time and appropriate education. The £250 million Crime Reduction Programme will fund and evaluate further projects to improve schools’ management of attendance, behaviour and bullying, and provide extra support for pupils at risk of exclusion, and to reduce the risk of future offending. ( More
on Social Inclusion: Pupil Support from DfEE |
White Paper Integrated TransportThe White Paper Integrated Transport contains a raft of actions in relation to tackling transport noise, improving safety, and increasing accessibility. An extra £700 million is being invested by the Government to allow local authorities to introduce integrated transport strategies. Specific aims include: reduction of crime & the fear of crime, wherever it occurs on the transport system, working with local authorities, transport operators, the police, motoring and other organisations on specific measures to reduce fears and in planning and design of urban & rural areas. Local Crime & Disorder Partnerships could assist in the development of such transport strategies by mapping crime & anti-social behaviour transport ‘hot spots’, carrying out local public audits, making recommendations, producing transport initiatives which included both situational and social interventions, and have a monitoring & evaluation role. (Lead department: DETR.) |
Youth Inclusion ProgrammeThis is an initiative, supported across Government, which aims to prevent offending by young people through a range of activities including sports and other recreational activities. It is targeted at the most disaffected 13-16 year olds in disadvantaged areas. It is based on the award-winning Youth Works projects, developed by Crime Concern. The programme’s aims are to reduce arrest rates in the target group by 60 per cent; reduce recorded crime in the area by 30 per cent and achieve a one-third reduction in truancy and school exclusions in the young people concerned by 2002. Eleven projects are already up and running; more are planned across England and Wales.More on the Youth Inclusion Programme (Lead department: HO.) |