§ Mr. Edward DaveyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what the average cost is of issuing anti-social behaviour orders; [137599]
531W(2) how many anti-social behaviour orders have been issued since April 1999 in (a) England and Wales, (b) the Greater London area and (c) the Royal borough of Kingston. [137598]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeOver 100 anti-social behaviour orders have been issued since the measure was implemented on 1 April 1999. At least 30 of these have been made in the Greater London area, but, as far as I am aware, none has been made in the Royal borough of Kingston.
I cannot yet say what the average cost of issuing an order is. We will be undertaking a review into the operation and effectiveness of anti-social behaviour orders in the New Year. Once the results of the review have been published, we should have a clearer picture of the cost of seeking an order.
§ Mr. FallonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons registered social landlords do not have the power to apply direct to the courts for anti-social behaviour orders; and if he will assess the benefits of giving such a power to those registered social landlords who have acquired the housing stock of a local authority. [137059]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe Crime and Disorder Act 1998 recognised the key responsibility of the police and the local authority for tackling problems of crime and disorder on a local basis. The Act created the anti-social behaviour order as a powerful community-based measure to assist the police and local authorities in carrying out that responsibility and gave them the power to apply for such orders. The guidance we issued in June emphasises that registered social landlords should play a full and active part in any anti-social behaviour order case involving their tenants.
We have given a commitment to review the operation of anti-social behaviour orders within two years of implementation. The review will start in the new year and its findings and recommendations will be published. The review will cover the current procedures and channels for making an application. The review will specifically consider giving registered social landlords the power to apply for anti-social behaviour orders.