Chamber
Plenary, 29 Mar 2007
29 Mar 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
SCOTTISH EXECUTIVE
Antisocial Behaviour
General Questions
We have given tackling antisocial behaviour a very high priority because it is one of the main problems facing communities across Scotland. We have made significant progress by bringing in the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004, setting up community warden services and providing support for victims and witnesses, all of which are vital for delivering better quality of life for those in our hardest-pressed communities.
We recognise, however, that more still needs to be done. We are now rolling out police fixed-penalty notices, considering the wider use of community wardens and determining how best to maintain the pressure on local agencies to implement the 2004 act by, for example, using parenting orders and antisocial behaviour orders for under-16s. We will ensure that community safety partnerships act decisively in tackling not just antisocial behaviour but the wider range of community safety issues, including knife crime.
We recognise, however, that more still needs to be done. We are now rolling out police fixed-penalty notices, considering the wider use of community wardens and determining how best to maintain the pressure on local agencies to implement the 2004 act by, for example, using parenting orders and antisocial behaviour orders for under-16s. We will ensure that community safety partnerships act decisively in tackling not just antisocial behaviour but the wider range of community safety issues, including knife crime.
In the same item of business
6. Ms Wendy Alexander (Paisley North) (Lab):
Lab
To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will outline the next steps in its efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour. (S2O-12528)
The Deputy Minister for Justice (Johann Lamont):
Lab
We have given tackling antisocial behaviour a very high priority because it is one of the main problems facing communities across Scotland. We have made sign...
Ms Alexander:
Lab
I thank the minister for her answer.It is perhaps an appropriate day on which to pay tribute to her personal role, first as a back bencher, then as a committ...
Johann Lamont:
Lab
I thank Wendy Alexander for her kind words. On antisocial behaviour, we should acknowledge the members of our communities who imposed their will on Parliamen...
Margaret Mitchell (Central Scotland) (Con):
Con
Given that, to date, no parenting orders have been issued, will the minister outline how she intends to encourage use of that provision, which will undoubted...
Johann Lamont:
Lab
We are disappointed by the lack of use of parenting orders, which are a support for, rather than a threat to, parents. Crucially, they are also a support for...
Susan Deacon (Edinburgh East and Musselburgh) (Lab):
Lab
Does the minister agree that prevention is always better than cure and that politicians of all parties should take heed of the words of the head of Scotland'...
Johann Lamont:
Lab
I pay tribute to Susan Deacon's crucial contribution to Parliament's creation and to making it the successful institution that it has become. Applause.I full...