Community Wardens ‘Contributing To A Safer, Stronger Scotland’

The Scottish Executive have confirmed that more than £33 million had been allocated to tackle antisocial behaviour next year. Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson told the Community Wardens Conference in Dunblane that the country’s 550 wardens were contributing to a safer, stronger Scotland by ‘reclaiming the streets’. The money (£33.16 million) will go to community planning partnerships in each of Scotland 32 local authority areas for the financial year 2007-08.

The Scottish Executive have confirmed that more than £33 million had been allocated to tackle antisocial behaviour next year.

Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson told the Community Wardens Conference in Dunblane that the country’s 550 wardens were contributing to a safer, stronger Scotland by ‘reclaiming the streets’. The money (£33.16 million) will go to community planning partnerships in each of Scotland 32 local authority areas for the financial year 2007-08.

In a wide-ranging speech which also covered falling crime levels, persistent youth offending and the role of parents, Ms Jamieson said: “I want to thank you for the service you are providing to communities across Scotland. You should be proud of the contribution you are making – along with the police and other local agencies – in reclaiming our streets from the mindless, selfish minority who blight the lives of too many of our citizens.

“With your help, we have come a long way in the last few years. But more action is required – particularly in the area of youth offending. We will not hold back until we secure respect for people – of all ages, by all ages – respect which lies at the heart of vibrant, tolerant Scottish communities. My message to you is keep forging ahead. Use the powers, the money and the other resources that we’ve given you to create the strong, safe communities that we in government and the people of Scotland want to see.”

Ms Jamieson said the Executive has delivered new powers to tackle antisocial behaviour through the Antisocial Behaviour Act, backed by new funding to pay for services such as wardens, antisocial behaviour teams, mediation and further support to victims and witnesses.

Since the Act came into force two years ago:

• dispersal powers have now been used on 12 occasions
• 21 communities have won closure orders to shut down premises at the centre of intimidation, noise or disorder.
• Nearly 2,000 ‘boy racers’ have now been warned under the new seizure of vehicles powers and 170 have had their vehicles seized.
• Around 1,900 noisy neighbours have been formally warned that their behaviour is unacceptable and 118 households who have chosen to ignore such warnings have been fined as a result

She said: “I want to make clear that I have never set targets for the number of measures to be used in a particular area but I make no apology for urging agencies to make more effective, consistent, and appropriate use of the measures. When I see and hear the ways in which people’s lives can be improved, I think it is my duty to keep on reinforcing this message. The measures we have put in place are showing progress.

“I am therefore pleased to confirm that funding earmarked for tackling antisocial behaviour in 2007-08 will be provided to all local partnerships. But make no mistake – continued funding is not guaranteed. We recognise that 2005-06 was a transitional year for partnerships. Next year we will expect to see continuous and tangible progress towards the achievement of targets and outcomes set out in local Outcome Agreements, and we will not hesitate to withdraw funds that are not being used to make a real difference to local problems.”