§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will add Oxford to the areas covered by the safer cities programme.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThere are no plans at present to extend the safer cities programme beyond the current 20 projects. The objectives of the Home Office-funded safer cities programme are to reduce crime; lessen the fear of crime and create safer cities where economic enterprise and community life can flourish. We have now reached our target of 20 projects and there are no plans or resources at present to extend the programme any further.
§ Mr. Andrew SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the criteria for areas eligible for funding for crime research under the safer cities programme.
§ Mr. John PattenSafer cities is a crime prevention initiative and not primarily a research programme. Areas were eligible for consideration for inclusion in the safer cities programme if they: (i) were districts, metropolitan districts or London boroughs within the urban programme; (ii) had serious crime and other social problems; (iii) were already the focus for Government action, and; (iv) were willing to participate. All 20 project areas in the current programme have been selected.