24. Gareth ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures are being taken to build up local expertise in measures to tackle anti-social behaviour. [171339]
§ Mr. BlunkettTackling anti-social behaviour is a key priority for the Government. That is why we have launched the Together Campaign, ensuring local practitioners gain real expertise in tackling anti-social behaviour.
A key part of the Together Campaign is the Together Academy and Actionline. The academies are designed to train front-line workers in the use of new and existing powers. In total there were 10 events held during March 2004 across England and Wales, training just over 2,000 academy graduates.
The Actionline ensures new and existing powers and best practice are used and understood. There have been over 1,000 since March.
The campaign will help improve the response to tackling anti-social behaviour by placing the focus within the heart of our communities, and providing them with the opportunity to work together and also the tools to take action to tackle anti-social behaviour.
We have provided funding for every crime and disorder partnership across England and Wales and introduced specialist anti-social behaviour prosecutors to develop local expertise.