22/01/2007

Government announces 40 'respect' areas

One year on from the launch of the Respect Action Plan, the government has announced that 40 areas will share £6 million in parenting class provision.

The government has hailed the plan as "major progress" in the drive to tackle anti-social behaviour and create a modern culture of respect, but opponents dismiss it as a gimmick.

Statistics published today, have shown significant increases in the powers being used by local councils and police to clamp down on anti-social behaviour. There has been a 90% increase in acceptable behaviour contracts (ABCs) with more than 18,000 used over the last three years, and 4,000 parenting contracts in the same period - an increase of nearly 250%.

Proponent of the Respect scheme Prime Minister Tony Blair said the "key to tackling anti-social behaviour successfully" lay local communities.

He said: "Central Government can provide the powers and the resources, as we are, but it is the police, local authorities and local people who have to use them effectively to deliver results.

"Communities know where the problems are - and they now know too how best to use new powers to tackle them."

Mr Blair added: "We want to extend this good practice across the country and encourage those championing the fight against anti-social behaviour to build on their good work."

The Home Secretary, John Reid said: "A great deal of action is being taken across the country to tackle the scourge of anti-social behaviour and I am delighted that these 40 local authorities have committed to driving forward the Respect programme."

There are just two weeks left for members of the public to submit their nominations for the Respect Awards for Taking A Stand, before nominations close on January 31 2007.

The awards celebrate the bravery and determination of local people who have taken a stand against anti-social behaviour problems such as vandalism, nuisance neighbours, harassment, intimidation and graffiti.

The government is also to publish a comprehensive "Respect Handbook" which reinforces the warning that there are no more excuses for local services not to take action and to send the message that it is time for them to 'face the people' and be held accountable by their public.

(SP/EF)

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