← Back to House of Commons Debates
Antisocial Behaviour Action Plan
27 March 2023
Lead MP
Suella Braverman
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Policing & ResourcesCrime & Law Enforcement
Other Contributors: 37
At a Glance
Suella Braverman raised concerns about antisocial behaviour action plan in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, announced the publication of an antisocial behaviour action plan aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour across England and Wales. She highlighted that crime has decreased by 50% overall since 2010, but emphasised the need for further action due to public concerns over antisocial behaviour. The plan includes four key areas: stronger punishment for perpetrators, increased police presence in hotspots, prevention and intervention, and improved accountability. Measures include banning nitrous oxide, increasing financial penalties, speeding up eviction processes, hotspot policing in 10 trailblazer areas with a rollout planned by 2024, replacing the Vagrancy Act 1824 to support vulnerable individuals, funding for youth programmes, and digital tools for public reporting of antisocial behaviour.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
Question
The MP asked if there would be a change in funding to local authorities as many areas are facing cuts despite rising antisocial behaviour. He also questioned the Minister's confidence that police forces would have the financial resources needed for hotspot policing.
Minister reply
Minister Braverman responded by stating that she expects councils to use their new powers effectively and that police forces will be supported financially, with the first hotspot pilot areas receiving funding.
Duncan Scott
Con
Tiverton and Honiton
Question
The MP asked about the Home Office's plans for community safety partnerships under the new bill. He specifically inquired whether local authorities will be required to engage with communities when implementing these changes.
Minister reply
Minister Braverman confirmed that there are provisions within the forthcoming Bill to require local authorities to involve their communities and ensure that they have an effective voice.
Yvette Cooper
Lab
Pontefract, Castleford and Knottingley
Question
The plan is too weak, too little, too late. The Home Secretary says people are sick and tired of antisocial behaviour but ignores the public's frustration over the lack of action despite cuts in neighbourhood policing and weakening of powers.
Minister reply
We have recruited 20,000 extra police officers and increased frontline policing since 2019. Violence is down 38%, neighbourhood crime is down 48%, burglary is down 56% and overall crime, excluding fraud, is down 50%. Labour's record shows that where they lead, crime follows.
Alison Thewliss
SNP
Glasgow Central
Question
Most of the statement does not apply in Scotland due to devolved justice. Criminalising young people will not help and the Misuse of Drugs Act has failed for other drugs, so why ban nitrous oxide?
Minister reply
The legislative framework strikes a balance between controlling harmful substances and enabling appropriate access. The SNP's approach in Scotland has led to high drug-related deaths.
Kevin Foster
Con
Torbay and South Devon
Question
Welcomes increased police resources, especially Operation Loki in Torquay town centre, and reform of the Vagrancy Act. How will traders and residents see differences and hold local forces accountable?
Minister reply
Measures include potentially streamlining public spaces protection orders for quicker action against nuisance and antisocial behaviour.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda
Question
Local police in Rhondda report domestic violence as the single biggest issue. The Home Secretary's announcement does not impress because of its lack of focus on saving lives, particularly with brain injury playing a significant role in criminal justice involvement.
Minister reply
The plan is evidence-led and focuses heavily on restorative justice, prevention and diversion through measures like hotspot policing, investment in youth facilities, and treatment for drug users.
Vicky Ford
Con
Castle Point
Question
I put on record my thanks to the Prime Minister for taking time to speak with constituents impacted by antisocial behaviour when he came to Essex Boys and Girls Clubs in Chelmsford this morning. The hotspot policing will make a huge impact, but can I also particularly thank the Home Secretary for the youth guarantee, making sure that every young person will have access to clubs, activities or other opportunities?
Minister reply
I very much enjoyed meeting officers from Essex Police in Chelmsford today, with the Prime Minister. As part of our national youth guarantee, we are investing over £500 million to provide high-quality local youth services so that by 2025, every young person will have access to regular clubs, activities and adventures away from home, and opportunities to volunteer.
Alistair Carmichael
Lib Dem
Orkney and Shetland
Question
I wonder if the Home Secretary sees the inconsistency between saying in one breath that there is no such thing as petty crime, and then in the next one boasting that crime has fallen, but only if we exclude fraud from the figures. Can she tell the House why it is that something as basic as directing vulnerable individuals towards appropriate support is not already the case?
Minister reply
The data collection only changed to start counting fraud over the past 10 years. The Government are setting out a fraud strategy, which we will be announcing very soon.
Lee Anderson
Reform
Ashfield
Question
It is laughable that the Labour party has come into the Chamber today talking about being the party of law and order—an absolute scandal. The Home Secretary will be aware of a deportation flight to Jamaica just a couple of years back, taking some of the most vile criminals on board back to their homeland. After Labour campaigned to stop it, two went on to commit terrible crimes: a murder, and attacking two women. Does the Home Secretary think that now is a good time for Opposition Front Benchers to apologise to this House and to the country?
Minister reply
My hon. Friend raises a very good point as his question highlights the gross failure of the Labour party. They are much more interested in the rights of criminals rather than the rights and entitlements of the law-abiding majority.
Mary Glindon
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend
Question
Any plan for dealing with antisocial behaviour must include support for victims of antisocial behaviour. While police and crime commissioners, such as Kim McGuinness in Northumbria, are working hard to tackle antisocial behaviour, they are prevented from running dedicated victim support programmes due to lack of funding. When will the Home Secretary provide this important funding?
Minister reply
Northumbria is going to be one of the pilot forces for hotspot patrolling and immediate justice with specified funding rolled out across the year to those 10 police forces in each pilot.
Maggie Throup
Con
Erewash
Question
Antisocial behaviour in our towns is a major concern for many people living and working across Erewash. Can my right hon. and learned Friend assure me not only that Erewash police and Erewash Borough Council will receive their share of the new funding, but that persistent offenders will be swiftly prosecuted using the full force of the law?
Minister reply
Derbyshire is a pilot force for hotspot patrolling and immediate justice. When it comes to hotspot policing, we expect the police to identify places and times where antisocial behaviour is prevalent and use this extra funding.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
Question
All the experts, including those on the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs, say that banning nitrous oxide will cause more harm than good. Can she point to the evidence that suggests her policy on nitrous oxide is right?
Minister reply
The Government are entitled and expected to take a broader view based on emerging evidence suggesting nitrous oxide causes serious harm to health and wellbeing.
Mark Garnier
Con
Wyre Forest
Question
May I congratulate my right hon. and learned Friend on her decision to ban the recreational use of nitrous oxide? Can I urge her to do everything she can to stifle the supply and clamp down as hard as possible on those who continue to sell this dangerous product for recreational purposes?
Minister reply
We need not only to curb the supply but also to criminalise possession, so that there is a deterrent and a meaningful consequence.
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr
Question
The website article supporting this statement mentions up to £5 million will be made available for CCTV and equipment restoration in vandalised parks. Is that £5 million the total budget? Will county councils and town and community councils in Wales be able to access this scheme?
Minister reply
We want to ensure sufficient resource is available to local authorities so they can take meaningful steps to sanction those involved in antisocial behaviour.
Tom Hunt
Ind
Cannock Chase
Question
What I have heard consistently throughout the time I have been a Member of Parliament is that long-term residents who love their town no longer feel comfortable going into the town centre. Does the Home Secretary agree that we need a permanently higher police presence in the town centre, but also that the police need to be much more confident about engaging earlier with these groups?
Minister reply
We need to ensure visible policing becomes a fact of life so people are deterred from engaging in bad behaviour.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Question
Only after my right hon. Friend the Member for Normanton, Pontefract and Castleford published her comprehensive strategy on antisocial behaviour has the Home Secretary been shamed into cobbling together today’s statement, but that statement does not mention alcohol. How is she going to get on top of the growth in alcohol-based violence?
Minister reply
We are delivering £12 million of additional funding this year to police and crime commissioners to support an increased police presence alongside other uniformed authority figures such as wardens.
Tracey Crouch
Con
Chatham and Aylesford
Question
Residents in Chatham and Aylesford have suffered from antisocial behaviour, including noise nuisance and unauthorised access to private lakes. The local councils are going through lengthy processes for public spaces protection orders (PSPOs). Will the announcement today make it easier to clamp down on such behaviour?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary confirms that the Government's consultation will aim to streamline and speed up the acquisition of PSPOs, making it simpler for authorities to tackle antisocial behaviour promptly.
Simon Lightwood
Lab/Co-operative
Wakefield and Rothwell
Question
The amount of reported antisocial behaviour is down, but people's experience shows a significant increase. Arrests have halved since 2010, and there are fewer police officers on the streets. Does the Home Secretary agree that Labour’s plan to add 13,000 more officers would be better?
Minister reply
The Home Secretary criticises the Labour MP for opposing measures aimed at increasing police powers and funding, stating that their actions have been unhelpful.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Question
Funding allocations often favour urban areas over rural ones in addressing antisocial behaviour. Will the Home Secretary ensure proper rurification of funding to support North Dorset and other rural constituencies?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges disparity between forces in terms of funding and confirms that Dorset is one of the pilot force areas for the immediate justice scheme, which will increase resources for Dorset police.
Bury South
Question
Colleagues recognise the importance of tackling antisocial behaviour with increased community policing. Will the Home Secretary or Policing Minister meet to discuss concerns about junior and trainee police officers, such as Anu Abraham's tragic case?
Minister reply
The Minister offers condolences to Anu Abraham’s family and agrees to arrange a meeting between an official/Home Office minister and the MP and the family.
Question
Colleagues commend the Home Secretary's plan, particularly the part where offenders will have to clean up their mess within 48 hours. Does the Minister agree that nitrous oxide use is a significant issue and should be taken more seriously?
Minister reply
The Minister agrees that nitrous oxide needs serious consideration due to its harmful effects on young people.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Will discussions take place with the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland to introduce parallel policies alongside the antisocial behaviour action plan announced today?
Minister reply
While her responsibility is for England and Wales, she meets senior police officers in Northern Ireland and supports them within appropriate realms.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Question
Will the plan end community service orders being completed from home?
Minister reply
The Minister foresees people involved in antisocial behaviour having to make amends through direct actions like graffiti and vandalism cleanup, as part of a rehabilitative effort.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd
Question
Criminalisation does not tackle problem drug use. Why not look at deeper reasons such as cuts to youth services, poverty, and mental health crises? Is it time to recognise that problem drug use is a health issue and review devolution of responsibility for drugs policy to Wales?
Minister reply
The Minister emphasises the need for a robust policing response alongside rehabilitation and investment in drug treatment programmes.
Saqib Bhatti
Con
Meriden and Solihull East
Question
Does the Home Secretary agree that the Labour police and crime commissioner is short-changing constituents by closing down police stations in the west midlands?
Minister reply
The Minister criticises the decision to close police stations, suggesting it leaves communities vulnerable.
Question
Does my right hon. and learned Friend assure me that this is not about bringing back the Vagrancy Act by the backdoor but ensuring those in need get services they require?
Minister reply
The Minister confirms the repeal of the Vagrancy Act, while introducing new tools to direct individuals to vital resources for accommodation and support.
Matt Warman
Con
Hayes and Harlington
Question
Welcomes the Home Secretary's focus on antisocial behaviour, raises concerns about Lincolnshire police funding being the lowest in the country despite maintaining a low crime rate. Asks for assurance that Lincolnshire will receive an uplift in funding.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the challenges faced by Lincolnshire police and confirms ongoing review of measures and proposals related to the funding formula with an announcement expected soon.
Miriam Cates
Con
Stockton South
Question
Welcomes antisocial behaviour action plan, highlights severe school absence rates in Sheffield and Barnsley linked to antisocial behaviour. Requests Home Secretary to urge Department for Education to address rising school absence.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the importance of addressing antisocial behaviour through effective schooling resources, teaching, support from schools and parents, and diversionary activities as part of a larger plan.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Question
Concerned about slow response to eviction requests for tenants causing nuisance. Asks when changes will take effect to make it easier for landlords to evict such tenants.
Minister reply
Confirms measures in the plan will empower landlords to take swifter action against antisocial tenants, both in social and private rented sectors.
James Daly
Con
Heywood and Middleton
Question
Praises Greater Manchester police for 42% increase in charge rate under chief constable Stephen Watson. Asks if the plan supports increased arrest rates.
Minister reply
Agrees with James Daly’s sentiments, praising common-sense policing approach led by Chief Constable Stephen Watson.
Richard Drax
Con
South Dorset
Question
Asks if perpetrators of graffiti will be tracked down and made to clean up public spaces.
Minister reply
Confirms that the community payback scheme and measures in the plan aim to make offenders directly accountable for cleaning up their mess.
Sara Britcliffe
Con
Lancaster and Fleetwood
Question
Thanks Home Secretary for listening to concerns and supporting initiatives across Lancashire, including funding boost for hotspot patrols in Hyndburn and Haslingden.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the work of Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden and confirms that Lancashire police will receive funding as one of the pilots for hotspot policing.
Greg Smith
Con
Mid Buckinghamshire
Question
Welcomes the statement, highlights recent vandalism in Winslow. Asks if powers announced today will empower officers to combat such incidents.
Minister reply
Confirms support for a zero-tolerance approach and broken windows theory of crime prevention.
Anna Firth
Con
Great Yarmouth
Question
Welcomes steps to ban nitrous oxide and use hotspot policing in response to antisocial behaviour along seafronts. Asks if legislation will be in place before summer and whether ice cream sellers will be exempt.
Minister reply
Confirms that the aim is to prevent blighting of communities with nitrous oxide canisters, while ensuring exceptions for lawful uses.
Jack Brereton
Con
Congleton
Question
Welcomes announcement of Staffordshire police area as a pilot hotspot area. Asks what this means for frontline policing and resource allocation.
Minister reply
Confirms that pilots will start before summer, with focus on providing more resources to tackle antisocial behaviour.
Matt Vickers
Con
Stockton West
Question
Highlights issues of youth crime and antisocial behaviour in Thornaby. Asks about expected impact of hotspot policing and immediate justice measures.
Minister reply
Confirms Cleveland as a pilot area for both immediate justice and hotspot policing, with more funding for resource allocation to combat antisocial behaviour.
Shadow Comment
Yvette Cooper
Shadow Comment
The shadow Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, criticised the plan as inadequate and insufficient. She pointed out that neighbourhood policing has been decimated with 10,000 fewer officers since 2010, leading to a lack of police presence on the streets. Additionally, she highlighted that youth services have been slashed by £1 billion and community penalties are not being properly enforced. Cooper supported some measures like hotspot policing but criticised the lack of focus on neighbourhood policing teams and improvements for antisocial behaviour victims. She called for an apology from the Home Secretary for previous cuts and urged the government to adopt Labour's plan for 13,000 more neighbourhood police officers.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.