Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Antisocial Behaviour

Monday 20 March 2023 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 5 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Northumbria police and crime commissioner received 3.9 million from the Government through the safer streets fund.
  • Cheshire force has 316 officers on the beat, and the MP's local chief constable was met with last month.
  • Stoke-on-Trent has seen a 26% decrease in neighbourhood crime since 2010.
  • Increased number of police officers through Government commitment will bring more resources on the frontline in forces across the country.
  • Northumbria's police and crime commissioner has received 3.9 million from the Government through the safer streets fund.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The MP is concerned about the increase in antisocial behaviour due to austerity measures leading to significant police officer reductions.

Question

Northumbria police lost over 1,100 officers and there has been an uptick in antisocial behaviour with thefts and off-road motorbikes. The incident levels are high, prompting a specific surgery with the police and crime commissioner. When will Ministers allow recruitment to vacant policing posts, invest in communities and tackle antisocial behaviour?

Answer from Suella Braverman

Northumbria's police and crime commissioner has received £3.9 million from the Government through safer streets fund, including £3.5 million for projects such as community engagement and target hardening.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not specify timeline or mechanism to recruit officers to vacant posts and invest in communities.

How: Discussed Existing Funding Without Addressing Recruitment

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Q2 Kieran Mullan Con Bexhill and Battle
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
Context

MP highlighted challenges in Crewe and Nantwich with antisocial behaviour caused by groups drinking alcohol on streets, affecting families and elderly people.

Question

There is a challenge in Crewe and Nantwich with antisocial behaviour due to groups drinking alcohol on public spaces, deterring use by families and the elderly. Public spaces protection orders are difficult to enact. Can we meet to discuss making these easier to implement?

Answer from Suella Braverman

Police powers should be streamlined and improved for effectiveness; Cheshire force has 316 officers on the beat. The MP's local chief constable was met last month.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to a meeting or improve implementation of public spaces protection orders.

How: Discussed Existing Police Presence

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Q3 Jack Brereton Con
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

MP and local authorities are planning improvements in Longton town centre including CCTV upgrades and alleyway gating, but require funding.

Question

Longton has antisocial behaviour and crime issues with plans to improve CCTV and gate up alleys. Additional funding is needed. When will the next round of safer streets fund open for bids?

Answer from Suella Braverman

Next round date cannot be given, but more details on safer streets are expected in future. Stoke-on-Trent has seen a 26% decrease in neighbourhood crime since 2010.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide an exact date for the next fund round opening.

How: Mentioned Past Successes Without Addressing Future Plans

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Q4 Kate Osborne Lab Jarrow and Gateshead East
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

Residents of Oswestry expressed concerns about increasing antisocial behaviour in the town centre at an open meeting. The police and crime commissioner was present but dismissive.

Question

At an open meeting, residents voiced concern over rising antisocial behaviour in Oswestry. Will future police officers be allocated to market towns like North Shropshire effectively when they arrive?

Answer from Suella Braverman

Increased number of police officers through Government commitment will bring more resources on the frontline in forces across the country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to specific allocation for rural areas.

How: Acknowledged General Increase Without Specifics

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Q5 Helen Morgan Lib Dem North Shropshire
Policing & Resources Community Security Local Government
Context

The Conservative government is introducing an antisocial behaviour strategy after years of inaction, now adopting Labour policies.

Question

After 13 years, the Conservatives are about to introduce an antisocial behaviour strategy incorporating Labour's plans for fly-tipping, graffiti and community payback. Which other Labour policies will they adopt?

Answer from Suella Braverman

Questions about Croydon Council's cuts to graffiti cleaning team; suggests seeking advice.

Not addressed: Changed subject entirely and did not address Labour policies adoption.

How: Changed Topic

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Q6 Sarah Jones Lab Croydon West
Policing & Resources Community Security
Context

Concerns about the impact of austerity measures on policing, leading to increased antisocial behaviour.

Question

With over 1,000 police officer losses in Northumbria and high levels of antisocial behaviour with thefts and motorbikes. When will recruitment to vacant posts start, investment be made in communities?

Answer from Suella Braverman

Northumbria's police and crime commissioner has received £3.9 million from Government through safer streets, including £3.5 million for projects such as community engagement.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address recruitment to vacant posts or community investment specifics.

How: Discussed Funding Without Addressing Vacancies

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