Street Crime by Young People 2023-07-03
2023-07-03
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The speaker is concerned about the increase in street crimes committed by young individuals and the impact it has on communities.
What steps she is taking to tackle street crime by young people?
I am pleased to report that, according to the crime survey, violence is down by 41% and criminal damage is down by 68% since 2010. But we would like to do more. That is why we now have record numbers of police and why we are investing in the safer streets fund, £200 million in the Youth Endowment Fund and £170 million in violence reduction units. We have also launched our antisocial behaviour strategy.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The speaker highlights the issue of young people being repeatedly arrested for antisocial behavior but released without charge, leading to further crimes.
What steps will my right hon. Friend take to end this roundabout of unpunished crime and ensure that young people who repeatedly break the law are not released without charge?
We want to see tougher action on things such as antisocial behaviour and public drug use; we should have zero tolerance for any of those things. As part of the ASB strategy we are launching instant justice, whereby people who perpetrate acts of antisocial behaviour will rapidly—ideally within 48 hours—be made to do clean-ups and those kinds of things in their local area, to pay back visibly, publicly, rapidly and with enforcement.
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Assessment & feedback
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Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The speaker is concerned about the long-term funding of violence reduction units, which are part of a public health approach to tackle youth violence.
What action is the Minister taking to ensure that violence reduction units have the long-term funding they need?
I agree with the approach that the hon. Lady sets out, and we have already taken action. She asks about long-term plans. The Youth Endowment Fund of £210 million is a 10-year programme, and violence reduction units—called violence reduction partnerships in some places—have so far received £170 million, and receive funding each and every year, including an allocation this year.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The speaker criticizes the current state of policing, highlighting issues with crime reporting and lack of confidence in the police force.
Do the Government take responsibility for the current state of policing? Will they support Labour's plans to restore neighbourhood policing?
I must say, in the gentlest terms, that my constituency neighbour has a bit of cheek to talk about reducing crime, given that according to the crime survey, crime levels under the last Labour Government were around double what they are today. In relation to the hon. Lady's serious question about RASSO—rape and serious sexual offences—particularly on women, the proportion being reported is much higher than it was a few years ago, which is welcome.
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Assessment & feedback
The speaker did not address whether the government acknowledges responsibility or supports Labour's plans to improve policing.
Criticising Previous Government
Response accuracy