Asked by: Baroness Stowell of Beeston (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the proposed SIM farm offence in the Crime and Policing Bill on the legitimate activities of journalists and broadcasters; whether they will ensure that that offence is not misapplied in ways that could hinder journalism; whether they will maintain transparent oversight of law enforcement practices; and whether they will conduct a policy review two years after the offence becomes law to assess its effectiveness and address concerns.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
We recognise the vital role that journalists and broadcasters play in our democracy and are committed to ensuring that legislation does not hinder legitimate journalistic activity.
The proposed SIM farm offence in the Crime and Policing Bill is designed to tackle the growing threat of fraud facilitated by the misuse of SIM farm devices, which allow criminals to send thousands of scam messages and conduct large-scale robocalling campaigns. These activities have contributed to a significant rise in fraud, which now accounts for over 40% of all reported crime in England and Wales.
We have extensively consulted on this policy, including with representatives from the media and communications sectors. As a result of this engagement, the legislation has been carefully drafted to include specific exemptions for legitimate uses, such as those by journalists and broadcasters. Clause 80 of the Bill explicitly provides that possessing a SIM farm for purposes such as broadcasting services constitutes a “good reason” under the law.
Furthermore, we continue to work closely with journalists and media organisations to ensure that the implementation of this offence does not impede their work. We are actively collaborating with stakeholders to develop clear guidance for law enforcement agencies. This guidance will help ensure that the offence is applied proportionately and that legitimate journalistic activities are protected, while also enabling effective action against those who use SIM farms to defraud the public.
Our approach balances the need to protect the public from fraud with the imperative to safeguard press freedom and legitimate communication practices.
Asked by: Baroness Stowell of Beeston (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have made any assessment of the use and effectiveness of Community Protection Notices in reducing litter around restaurants and shops.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
The Community Protection Notice is one of the powers available to the police and local authorities through the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to help them to prevent and respond to different forms of anti-social behaviour. We do not require these agencies to report to the Government on their use of the powers and we have made no assessment of their effectiveness in reducing litter around restaurants and shops.
Asked by: Baroness Stowell of Beeston (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many public transport operators have (1) applied, and (2) been granted, powers by the police to tackle anti-social behaviour since 2012.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
Under section 5 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, Transport for London are able to apply to the court to grant an injunction to prevent individuals from engaging in anti-social behaviour and the Mayor of Greater Manchester wrote to the Home Office recently to request similar powers for Transport for Greater Manchester.
In addition, the West Midlands Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2017 allows the West Midlands Combined Authority to apply for an injunction against individuals in respect of anti-social behaviour on the bus and tram network in the Combined Authority Area.
Asked by: Baroness Stowell of Beeston (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what powers currently exist to prevent the operators of rickshaws and pedicabs playing loud music on London's highways.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Shadow Chief Whip (Lords)
The Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced a range of flexible powers to make it quicker and easier for police forces, local authorities and other partners to protect victims and communities from anti-social and nuisance behaviour. This includes Community Protection Notices, Public Spaces Protection Order and Dispersal Powers.
It is also an offence under section 97 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986 for a person to use a motor vehicle on the road in such a manner as to cause any excessive noise. The police have the power to restrict noise from moving vehicles.
The police also have the power under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 to seize vehicles. This can be as a result of driving a vehicle in a careless and inconsiderate manner or driving a vehicle other than on a road, contrary to the Road Traffic Act 1988, or using a vehicle in a manner causing, or likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public.
The Home Office has not issued any guidance on the use of these powers. How these powers are used is an operational matter for the police.