Government paves way for new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour

Ministers this week signalled that further measures to tackle anti-social behaviour are in the offing after research revealed that fewer than one in five residents (19%) in the government’s priority areas believe the problem has got better in the last twelve months.

A GfK NOP poll of 2,750 residents, commissioned by the government, found that 27% felt that crime and anti-social behaviour had increased, while 48% considered it to be at the same level.

Ministers admitted that “more needs to be done to impose tough sanctions and offer non-negotiable support”.

More than half of residents (52%) in the 69 areas receiving the Youth Crime Action Plan intensive package said they had seen an increased police and police community support officer presence.

The survey’s other key findings include one in four respondents (23%) saying they were aware of increased facilities and activities for young people when they are not in school.

There was also strong support for making it more difficult for young people to buy alcohol in particular, with backing for more positive activities and confiscation of alcohol from young people.

The government insisted that its approach to tackling anti-social was working. Some 28,000 disruptive young people had faced measures and support to tackle their behaviour since 2008, through Challenge and Support projects, with 2,165 acceptable behaviour contracts and 313 anti-social behaviour orders, it said. A further 517 young people had benefited from support through its intensive intervention projects.

Children’s Secretary Ed Balls said: “Over the last two years the government has made good progress in tackling anti-social behaviour and youth crime in areas across the country. But we know challenges remain. We are clear that there are firm boundaries and clear consequences for those who overstep them – but support for young people and their families who try to turn their lives around.”

Schools minister Vernon Coaker added: “This survey shows that people recognise that we’re taking the right action, such as providing more positive activities, family intervention projects and parenting classes, but there is more to do to make sure everyone can see a difference in their area.

“We must build on the progress we’ve made through tough sanctions and non-negotiable support and by making sure that anti-social youngsters face up to the consequences of their actions, but are also supported to help turn their lives around.”