Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will take steps to encourage and support police and crime commissioners to introduce dedicated anti-social behaviour taskforces.

We have provided the police, local authorities, and other local agencies with a range of flexible tools and powers that they can use to respond quickly and effectively to all forms of anti-social behaviour (ASB) through the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. These powers are deliberately local in nature, and it is for agencies to use their local knowledge of each incident to determine whether their use is appropriate in the specific circumstances.

The Government is absolutely committed to supporting local agencies in using these powers and in tackling and preventing ASB. We know the serious impact this issue has on both individuals and wider communities.

In July, the Beating Crime Plan was published which laid out the Government’s plan for tackling crime and ASB. This set out a commitment to launch the second part of the PCC Review which is looking to equip PCCs with the tools and levers they need to drive down crime and ASB.