HC Deb 27 October 2003 vol 412 c114WS
23. Mr. Challen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will make a statement on the role of local communities in tackling antisocial behaviour. [134180]

Ms Blears

Local communities have a critical role. The Anti-Social Behaviour Plan places communities at the heart of its agenda. It seeks to shift the culture from one where people accept anti-social behaviour to one where communities are helped and supported to seek and uphold standards. Part of our work to support communities includes tackling those barriers which prevent victims and witnesses from coming forward.

Communities should also hold local agencies to account for the way they address anti-social behaviour and how they use the wide range of interventions available.

24. Mr. Tony Clarke

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what anti-social behaviour measures his Department will introduce to tackle the problem of abandoned cars. [134181]

Ms Blears

In our Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan, launched on 14 October, we announced that we will establish trailblazers to tackle abandoned cars in London and Liverpool, in partnership with the Association of London Government and Liverpool city council respectively. From October 2004 these projects will ensure that all vehicles confirmed as untaxed or abandoned will be removed within 72 hours of reporting. This work will be shared with communities across the country.

Mr. Prisk

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the cost of(a) producing and distributing the tackling antisocial behaviour action plan booklet and (b) related promotional costs for this initiative, including employment costs. [132580]

Ms Blears

An estimate of £11,000 has been made for the production arid distribution of the action plan booklet including design, printing and delivery and distribution. A total of £135,000 has been spent on the launch event and associated launch materials. This includes costs of support from the Central Office of Information (COI) Civil servants from the Home Office press office, marketing department and Anti-social Behaviour Unit produced the Action Plan and organised the event as part of their daily duties.