HC Deb 10 December 2002 vol 396 cc229-30W
Mr. Jenkins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action is being taken to tackle anti-social behaviour. [82977]

Mr. Denham

We have already introduced measures to tackle anti-social behaviour including changes to increase the effectiveness of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) in the Police Reform Act 2002. We have increased police capacity by creating and funding community support officers and strengthening the powers to issue Fixed Penalty Notices. We will build on this through the Anti-Social Behaviour Bill.

The Queen's speech outlined a new drive to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour—we will be producing a White Paper in the New Year and a bill to reinforce this drive.

Mr. Pike

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what forecasts have been made of the likely impact of new(a) licensing and (b) anti-social behaviour provisions in (i) the North West, and (ii) Burnley; and if he will make a statement. [83416]

Mr. Denham

The Licensing Bill, introduced to the House of Lords on 14 November, was accompanied by a Regulatory Impact Assessment, and has been deposited in the Library. The expected impacts include reductions in binge drinking prior to fixed closing times and related drunkenness in the streets. A more gradual dispersal of consumers should also lead to a decrease in reports of nuisance and noise. We believe that these provisions will benefit people throughout the country.

The Anti-Social Behaviour Bill will build on existing provisions and fill gaps, where appropriate, to tackle anti-social behaviour—wherever it occurs.

Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the prevalence of anti-social behaviour; and if he will make a statement. [83677]

Mr. Denham

The prevalence of anti-social behaviour is assessed using information from the British Crime Survey, which provides a measure of the public's perception of the level of disorder and anti-social behaviour in their area. The survey asks about problems caused by noisy neighbours or loud parties, teenagers hanging around on the streets, rubbish or litter lying around, vandalism and graffiti, racial attacks, drug dealing and people being drunk or rowdy.