§ Mr. WoodwardTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to reduce the number of arson incidents; and what increase in resources the Government plans to give to fire authorities to tackle arson. [137991]
§ Phil HopeThe Government established the Arson Control Forum in 2001 to take forward a national programme of arson reduction measures. Part of this 251W Programme is to support multi-agency partnerships that tackle arson locally by funding community-based projects.
To date, the forum has invested some £2.25 million of Government money in 50 local arson reduction projects in England and Wales. The Government have set aside an additional £4 million in 2003–04, rising to £4.5 million in 2004–05 and £4.8 million in 2005–06, for further arson reduction work. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister is currently considering applications from local partnerships for grants from these funds.