§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the role of voluntary organisations as partners in combating crime and disorder. [69211]
§ Mr. BoatengI believe that voluntary organisations have a vital role to play in tackling crime and disorder. This view is reflected in the fact that a wide range of voluntary bodies must be invited to participate in the work of the local crime and disorder reduction partnerships established by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. Furthermore, guidance issued by the Home Office emphasises the importance of the voluntary sector's contribution to the crime and disorder audits and strategies which the local partnerships are currently engaged in producing.