HC Deb 29 April 2002 vol 384 cc609-10W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the PSA target to reduce the economic costs of crime(a) was met in 2000–01 and (b) will be met in 2001–02. [47447]

Mr. Denham

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: The public service agreement for the economic cost of crime commits the criminal justice system departments to "reduce the cost of crime by March 2004 to be measured by an indicator to be developed by March 2001".

Estimates of the economic and social cost of crime were published in a report in December 2000, "The economic and social costs of crime" (Home Office Research Study 217). This sets out clearly how the figures have been derived. There are particular problems in providing accurate figures for some types of crime (especially commercial victimisation). The Criminal Justice Departments and Her Majesty's Treasury have not yet agreed how best to measure progress.

There are no cost of crime targets for 2000–01 or 2001–02. Although there are no interim targets until 2004, we are making every effort to ensure that we reduce crimes with a high economic cost.

Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the PSA target to reduce the fear of crime will be met in 2001–02. [47448]

Mr. Denham

[holding answer 10 April 2002]: As stated in my reply to the hon. Member on 10 December 2001, Official Report, column 701W, the target is to reduce the fear of violent crime, burglary, and vehicle crime by 2004 from their 2001 baselines. During the baseline year, 22.3 per cent. of people were very concerned about violent crime, 16.5 per cent. about burglary, and 18.5 per cent. about vehicle crime. Data for the following year have not yet been published.

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