County Lines Safeguarding 2020-12-14
2020-12-14
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the harm caused by county lines exploitation in her constituency and the impact on vulnerable children.
What steps are being taken to tackle county lines drug trafficking and safeguard vulnerable children from exploitation?
We are determined to tackle the harm caused by county lines exploitation. In addition to the establishment of violence reduction units, the extensive operations conducted by British Transport Police and other targeted policing across the country, we have increased investment in one-to-one specialist support for county lines victims and their families. We also fund Safecall run by Missing People charity.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP's constituency has experienced a series of killings linked to county lines activity, with significant cuts to youth and early intervention services.
Does the loss of over a third of our police services and 80% of our youth services, along with halving of early intervention services, have helped or hindered in dealing with county lines?
The fault lies with criminal gangs peddling drugs. We have recruited extra officers and provided targeted investment for children and young people. The demand for illegal substances drives the market force of county line gangs across the country.
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Assessment & feedback
cuts to police services and youth services impacting efforts against county lines
Shifting Blame Onto Criminal Gangs
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP's constituency has seen grassroots groups like Action Isleworth Mothers set up to help families at risk from criminal exploitation.
What additional support and funding will the Government provide to grassroots organisations such as AIM?
I welcome the intervention described. The youth endowment fund of £200 million is available over 10 years to research effective programmes. I am happy to meet her to learn more about Action Isleworth Mothers.
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Assessment & feedback
additional support and funding for AIM specifically
Offering A Meeting
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Children's Commissioner reported the risk to children in unregulated and unsupported accommodation, calling for a ban.
Will the Minister speak with colleagues in DfE, DWP, MHCLG to support my Bill aiming to outlaw this?
Discussions are already taking place. I take the vulnerabilities of children in care very seriously and have seen first-hand the work youth workers do through the Trusted Relationships fund. Happy to meet her to discuss her Bill.
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Assessment & feedback
specific commitment from Minister to support the Bill
Suggesting Ongoing Discussions Without Clear Commitment
Response accuracy