Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Antisocial Behaviour

Monday 3 July 2023 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister launched an antisocial behaviour action plan including increased funding for police and crime commissioners.
  • Home Secretary committed to meeting members of the all-party parliamentary group to discuss their report.
  • Response to reduction in PCSOs cited a 15% fall in neighbourhood crime since 2019 in Hampshire.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Policing & Resources Crime & Law Enforcement
Context

The question is prompted by the high incidence of antisocial behaviour in Portsmouth and the need to increase police presence and funding.

Question

Whether her Department plans to increase police resources to help tackle antisocial behaviour. I am concerned about the low level of policing resources, especially with a decade of cuts to youth services, which has led to an increase in antisocial behaviour across many areas including South Parade pier and Camber. Neighbourhood policing is vital in addressing this issue.

Answer from Suella Braverman

I launched the antisocial behaviour action plan which includes increasing funding for police and crime commissioners by over £100 million, delivering stronger and swifter punishment, increasing police visibility in response, and banning nitrous oxide. We are committed to tackling antisocial behaviour effectively.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific details on additional resources for Portsmouth South or neighbourhood policing specifically

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Q2 Mike Amesbury Lab
Policing & Resources Community Security
Context

The all-party parliamentary group on antisocial behaviour has published a report demonstrating that 1.7 million people daily experience antisocial behaviour and 58% believe the Government are not doing enough.

Question

Will the Home Secretary meet members of the all-party parliamentary group to look at the recommendations in their report? I refer to the publication today, on Anti-social Behaviour Awareness Week, of a report by the all-party parliamentary group on antisocial behaviour and the charity Resolve ASB. This demonstrates that 1.7 million people experience antisocial behaviour daily and that 58% believe the Government are not doing enough.

Answer from Suella Braverman

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his work on the all-party parliamentary group and I am sure that the Policing Minister and/or I will meet him to learn more about the vital work he has led. There is a record number of police officers in Cheshire, with over £3 million-worth of safer streets funding received, resulting in a 26% fall in neighbourhood crime and a 17% fall in drugs offences.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to meeting the all-party parliamentary group specifically but discussed successes in Cheshire instead

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Q3 Stephen Morgan Lab Portsmouth South
Policing & Resources
Context

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary is one of the lowest-funded police forces in the UK, with a decade of cuts to youth services leading to increased antisocial behaviour.

Question

What explanation can the Home Secretary provide for halving the number of police community support officers over the past 13 years? The number of PCSOs has been cut in half since 2009. Can she explain this reduction?

Answer from Suella Braverman

The hon. Gentleman and I represent constituencies served by the same police force, and I am proud of the track record in Hampshire. The new chief constable has a focus on back-to-basics policing, and there is a 15% fall in neighbourhood crime since 2019.

Not addressed: Did not provide an explanation for the reduction in PCSO numbers but instead discussed successes in Hampshire

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Q4 Stephen Crabb Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Community Security
Context

Young people are often the victims of antisocial behaviour, necessitating greater diversion and support.

Question

Does my right hon. and learned Friend agree that some of the principal victims of antisocial behaviour are young people? The Government are absolutely right to bring forward new measures to tackle antisocial behaviour so our streets, parks and public spaces are safer for the vast majority of young people who do not engage in negative behaviours.

Answer from Suella Braverman

My right hon. Friend is absolutely correct. There is a need for greater diversion and support for young people so they do not spend their time loitering in shopping centres, causing a nuisance or harassing community members. The antisocial behaviour action plan commits considerable funding over £160 million for an increased police presence in ASB hotspot areas.

Answered
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Q5 Robbie Moore Con Keighley and Ilkley
Immigration Policing & Resources Local Government
Context

Illegal encampments by Travellers are causing damage and intimidating residents in Keighley, leading to a temporary closure of the local swimming pool.

Question

Will the Home Secretary meet me to discuss what additional support West Yorkshire police and our local council can get to address this ongoing issue? Travellers have set up camp in Ilkley and Marley causing damage, intimidating residents and leaving mess behind. We need more support locally.

Answer from Suella Braverman

My hon. Friend raises an important point about illegal encampments by Travellers blighting communities, causing a nuisance and in some cases threatening them. We legislated with the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 to toughen up powers available to police.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to meeting but acknowledged legislative measures already taken

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