§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to bring forward proposals on safety in town centres. [68783]
§ Mr. BoatengOur proposals on community safety in towns and elsewhere are contained in the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, which lays a duty on the local618W authority and police in every area, in partnership with a wide range of other bodies, to carry out a full audit of the levels and patterns of crime and disorder in that area. Based upon the findings of the audit and after consultation with the community about them, police and council must then formulate and implement a strategy for the reduction of crime and disorder. Where the audit identifies crime or disorder problems in town centres as a major concern, we would expect the strategy to address them.