Sentencing Policy Rural Crime 2023-01-10
2023-01-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Rural crime continues to be a concern in communities, affecting residents and their property.
What discussions has the Minister had with Cabinet colleagues on tackling rural crime? Rural and wildlife crime affects local communities through theft of farm machinery, fly-tipping, vandalism, and animal cruelty. What reassurances can he give that the Government are supporting police and communities against these crimes?
The Deputy Prime Minister has regular meetings with Cabinet colleagues on tackling crime, including rural crime. The Government supports the police through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 by introducing new hare coursing offences and supporting a private Member's Bill to prevent quad bike theft.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide reassurances about specific support for police and communities in fighting rural crime beyond mentioning legislation.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Rural crime often involves organised crime targeting communities through various thefts and environmental damage.
Does the Minister agree that rural crime is linked to organised crime groups, particularly plant and livestock theft, burglary of firearms, fly-tipping, and poaching? How does sentencing reflect the seriousness of these crimes?
The Minister highlights several crimes impacting rural communities including plant theft, livestock theft, burglary targeting firearms, fly-tipping, and poaching. The courts have appropriate sentences available but sentencing guidelines require tougher penalties for offences involving high planning or committed for profit.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether the Minister agreed with the link to organised crime groups.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Cumbria has initiatives like Cumbria farm watch and horse watch to combat rural crimes.
What reassurances can the Minister give that the Government supports these initiatives and communities against rural crime? The focus is on national investment, local partnerships, and specific support from legislation.
The Minister pays tribute to the work in Cumbria and notes Government investment in 20,000 more police officers nationally. He also mentions supporting the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and a private Member's Bill for quad bike theft prevention.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific reassurances about support for Cumbria initiatives or local community efforts against rural crime beyond mentioning national investment and legislation.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Fly-tipping has doubled in Barnsley, costing the local council nearly £200,000.
What discussions has the Minister had with colleagues to ensure that fines and sentences for fly-tipping are a strong deterrent? The focus is on inter-departmental coordination and enforcement.
The Minister highlights that there are regular discussions with colleagues across Government departments, including Defra and Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. He expresses willingness to meet the hon. Lady if she has specific cases to highlight.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specifics on actual fines or sentences for fly-tipping or direct assurances of deterrent measures.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Machinery theft is a cross-border issue affecting Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Has the Minister had any opportunity to talk with the Garda Síochána about working across the border to curb machinery theft? The focus is on cross-border cooperation and tackling criminal gangs involved in such activities.
The Minister has not had any direct discussions with the Garda. However, he notes the work being done in Northern Ireland to highlight marking machinery as a solution to tracking stolen items. He is willing to receive further details from the constituency perspective.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Did not confirm any cross-border cooperation efforts or direct discussions with Irish authorities beyond mentioning existing initiatives in Northern Ireland.
Response accuracy