Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Antisocial Behaviour: Dudley

29 April 2025 · 4 other contributors · 4,101 words

Opened by Sonia Kumar Lab Dudley

Responding minister: Jess Phillips

Crime & Law Enforcement

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Sonia Kumar raised concerns about antisocial behaviour: dudley in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Residents of Dudley are increasingly concerned about issues such as vandalism, intimidation, dangerous driving, and drug dealing.
  • The cost to businesses and individuals due to heightened fear of crime is estimated at over 70 billion a year.
  • The speaker calls for better prevention methods, high-visibility patrols in hotspots, and collaboration with businesses and residents to identify persistent offenders.

Key requests to Government

The speaker calls for better prevention methods, high-visibility patrols in hotspots, collaboration with businesses and residents to identify persistent offenders, and support for community assets like sports and youth centres. She also welcomes the government’s £200 million investment for neighbourhood policing as part of a wider £1 billion boost.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Sonia Kumar Lab Dudley

Residents of Dudley are increasingly concerned about issues such as vandalism, intimidation, dangerous driving, and drug dealing. The cost to businesses and individuals due to heightened fear of crime is estimated at over £70 billion a year. Additionally, there has been a 76% increase in local crime and a significant reduction in police numbers.

Other contributors (4)
  • Alex Ballinger Lab Halesowen

    Stressed the importance of local engagement and highlighted an incident where his office involvement was necessary to address antisocial behaviour. He supports Sonia Kumar's call for more neighbourhood police officers.

  • Cat Eccles Lab Stourbridge

    The MP agreed with Sonia Kumar on the need for resources and collaboration between councils, police, and stakeholders to tackle antisocial environmental crime such as fly-tipping.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Agreed with Sonia Kumar on the importance of community engagement, especially through youth groups and church organisations to improve social cohesion and reduce antisocial behaviour.

  • The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department Bipasha Kadri

    Responded to concerns about antisocial behaviour and drug misuse, highlighting actions such as restoring neighbourhood policing and introducing respect orders. Emphasised tackling illegal drugs and strengthening enforcement with support from treatment services.

Government Response

Jess Phillips

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department

The Minister thanked Sonia Kumar for securing the debate and acknowledged the widespread issue of antisocial behaviour in Dudley and across the country, causing distress among residents. She mentioned support for the Crime and Policing Bill and its efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour. Addressed issues of antisocial behaviour, drug misuse, and hotspot policing funding. Mentioned plans to expand drugs testing under the Crime and Policing Bill, committing to evidence-based treatment services and prevention efforts. Discussed youth work initiatives and interventions through Young Futures programme.

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