§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions about tenants who daub graffiti or commit other acts of vandalism on their estates.[134548]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThere have been no discussions on this specific issue. However, my Department and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions are working closely to take forward the Policy Action Team's report on Anti-Social Behaviour (PAT 8), in particular the provision of comprehensive good practice guidance for Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships and Anti-Social Behaviour on the three key issues of prevention, enforcement and resettlement.
The PAT 8 report on Anti-Social Behaviour was published in March and builds on the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to take forward action to combat anti-social behaviour, including problems such as graffiti, vandalism, nuisance neighbours, and other problems on housing estates.
§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has given to(a) the police and (b) the Crown Prosecution Service on the apprehension and prosecution of graffiti vandals. [135011]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeGuidance to the Crown Prosecution Service is not a matter for the Home Office. I have not identified any need for guidance to the police on this subject but I do attach great importance to the protection of communities from defacement of property and other forms of disorder. The Government's consultation paper "Reducing Public Disorder: the Role of Fixed Penalty Notices" canvassed views on proposals to use fixed penalties for a range of offences. Views were specifically sought on what offences, including criminal damage, might be suitably dealt with in this way.