Ministers to review antisocial behaviour controls

Prevention-enforcement balance among points of focus

News, 25 October 2007

A review of how government, local agencies and communities work together to tackle antisocial behaviour has been announced.

Ministers hope that building on research carried out to date, the review will help to develop a fuller understanding of the different local approaches adopted around the country, and identify where improvements are most needed and which solutions can best deliver for communities.

An early intervention family support project in Edinburgh, which works with vulnerable families where the behaviour of one or more children aged under 12 gives cause for concern has been commended as a cost-effective measure in research published today. Evaluation reports into dispersal and noise nuisance powers, and figures for the use of all the measures made available to police and local authorities through the Antisocial Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004, have also been released.

Minister for Community Safety, Fergus Ewing said: "The Antisocial Behaviour Act has now been in force for three years and in some areas is making a real difference to the quality of people's lives across Scotland.

"Now is an appropriate time to take a fresh look at the ASB strategy, to work with local government, the police and other key interests, to see where it can be strengthened and improved - and community involvement enhanced."

Mr Ewing said the dispersal research found that the orders provided welcome respite to local communities. However, residents were clear that dispersal worked mainly as a short-term measure and they often wanted more permanent solutions.

Noting that some of the Act's other provisions, including fixed penalty notices, noise nuisance and vehicle seizure powers, have been increasingly used by local agencies, though with considerable variations across Scotland, he added:

"Our aim is to examine why - not to set targets, because it is outcomes that matter most to our hard-pressed communities."

The objectives of the review are to:

develop an understanding of the use and effectiveness of key measures in the 2004 Act;
consider the range of responses to tackling antisocial behaviour deployed by local agencies, including the use of community wardens;
consider whether the current balance between prevention and enforcement is appropriate;
determine ways in which communities could become more usefully involved in the process of tackling antisocial behaviour within their own communities;
consider future needs for community safety communications designed to raise public awareness of national policy and local service delivery;
inform the development of performance frameworks for community safety partnerships;
consult with and involve key stakeholders in determining future priorities;
develop proposals for the improved operation of the ASB strategy.