§ 24. Mr. SavidgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what her Department is doing to support the Government's street crime and robbery initiative. [68982]
§ Tessa JowellMy Department is playing a full part in the Government's drive to tackle street crime. We are today, jointly with the Youth Justice Board, launching a comprehensive programme of summer activities aimed at children and young people at risk of offending in the street crime areas. The programme—Splash Extra—;builds on the Board's excellent Summer Splash programme.
Resourced through the New Opportunities Fund, Splash Extra is aimed at children and young people aged 9 to 17 identified as at risk of offending and living in 300 estates in and around the street crime 'hotspot' areas.
It will provide a varied programme of quality sports, arts and other cultural activities, as well as personal development and education. We expect to reach at least 48,000 children and young people and possibly many more.
Supported by key workers from Youth Offending Teams, the Connexions Service and the Children's Fund, Splash Extra will not only provide something for those at risk of offending to do over the summer. It will also ensure that they are supported back into education and training once the programme finishes.