§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local child curfew schemes were made by local authorities under the provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 between 30 September and 31 December 1998. [65566]
§ Mr. BoatengThe relevant provisions of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which enable local authorities to establish a local child curfew scheme, were brought into force on 30 September 1998. Home Office336W guidance on the operation of these new powers was issued on 29 September 1998. Before imposing a local child curfew, local authorities, in consultation with the chief officer of police and such other persons or bodies that it considers appropriate, must first draw up proposals for a local child curfew scheme, including arrangements for consultation with the residents in the area in which the curfew is to apply, and submit these to the Secretary of State for approval.
No applications for local child curfew schemes have been received at this early stage. Local child curfew schemes are designed to be part of an integrated response to reducing crime and disorder in local areas. In considering their potential use, local authorities will wish to take into account the wider crime and disorder reduction strategies, also required under the Crime and Disorder Act, which are currently being developed.