It’s time for a new approach to tackling anti-social behaviour says the Coalition, which has begun a Government consultation.
The Home Office has plans to replace 18 of the formal powers available with five. Minister James Brokenshire said: ‘For too long anti-social behaviour has wreaked havoc in our communities and ruined decent people’s lives. It is time for a new approach that better supports victims and makes it easier for the authorities to take fast, effective action. ‘This consultation sets out a how we propose to tackle this stubborn problem, ensuring the most vulnerable in our communities are protected from the cowards and bullies who carry on in such an offensive manner. It is important there is no let-up — local areas must continue to use the most appropriate powers available to them.’
The Home Office pointed to a review that found there are too many tools for practitioners to tackle anti-social behaviour; some of which are too bureaucratic, too costly and do not address underlying problems. At the same time, the growing numbers of people who ignore their penalties suggest a persistent minority are still not being deterred from committing anti-social behaviour, the Home Office added.
