9 days till the General Election… What is coming down the line?
The most recent party policies affecting ASB professionals:
Confused by all of the noise right now surrounding manifesto’s and key political party policy pledges? Here’s a look at how the main political parties aim to transform housing, boost community safety, and combat ASB if they are successful at next weeks election:
The Conservative Party:
- Housing: The Conservatives plan to build 300,000 new homes a year, focusing on home ownership with schemes like First Homes to offer discounts for local first-time buyers. They also intend to simplify the planning process to speed up housing development.
- Community Safety and ASB: The party aims to increase police funding to recruit 20,000 new officers and invest in technology to combat crime. They also propose tougher sentencing for serious crimes and measures to prevent youth offending, including expanding youth services.
The Labour Party:
- Housing: Labour commits to building 150,000 social homes annually, with a focus on affordable and sustainable housing. They also plan to introduce rent controls and end “no-fault” evictions.
- Community Safety and ASB: Labour proposes recruiting 13,000 additional neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs, creating “Respect Orders” to deal with persistent offenders, and introducing fast-track Public Space Protection Orders. They also aim to establish youth hubs to support at-risk teenagers and prevent crime.
The Liberal Democrats:
- Housing: The Liberal Democrats pledge to build 380,000 new homes a year, including 150,000 social housing units. This will be supported by the creation of 10 new “garden cities” and community-led developments.
- Community Safety and ASB: They plan to increase community policing, focusing on local issues and community engagement. The party also aims to improve rehabilitation services to reduce reoffending and tackle the root causes of antisocial behaviour.
The Green Party
- Housing: The Green Party advocates for a significant increase in social housing and tighter regulations on private rentals. They aim to make all new housing developments carbon-neutral and improve energy efficiency in existing homes.
- Community Safety and ASB: They support community-led policing and restorative justice approaches to address crime and ASB. The Green Party also focuses on tackling the social determinants of crime, such as poverty and inequality, through broader social policies.
The Scottish National Party (SNP)
- Housing: The SNP plans to continue their existing policies on housing in Scotland, focusing on building affordable homes and supporting first-time buyers. They also aim to improve housing standards and increase energy efficiency.
- Community Safety and ASB: They propose increasing funding for Police Scotland to enhance community policing and tackle crime. The SNP also supports initiatives to reduce reoffending and provide better support for victims of crime.
Plaid Cymru (Wales)
- Housing: Focuses on building affordable homes, protecting renters, and supporting sustainable housing development.
- Community Safety and ASB: The manifesto emphasises a community-based approach to policing, improving youth services, and investing in mental health and social care to prevent antisocial behaviour.
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP – Northern Ireland)
- Housing: Aims to address the housing crisis by increasing the supply of social and affordable housing.
- Community Safety and ASB: Plans to enhance community safety through better policing and tougher measures against criminal activities, with a focus on supporting victims and preventing crime.
Alliance Party of Northern Ireland
- Housing: Advocates for increased investment in affordable housing and sustainable development practices.
- Community Safety and ASB: Promotes community-oriented policing, restorative justice practices, and addressing social determinants of crime such as poverty and lack of opportunity.
Janine’s Thoughts: The Conservatives’ emphasis on increasing police numbers and tougher sentencing primarily enhances enforcement, and is a traditional stance, but it lacks depth in addressing the root causes of antisocial behaviour. Labour’s plans for more neighbourhood officers and “Respect Orders” show promise in fostering community engagement and rapid response but need to be paired with robust support for at-risk youth. The Liberal Democrats’ community-led initiatives and expanded social housing could strengthen local resilience against ASB, while the Green Party’s restorative justice approach and focus on social determinants are commendable for addressing the broader societal issues contributing to antisocial behaviour. Each party’s policies offer valuable elements, but a balanced approach combining enforcement, prevention, and community support would be most effective in tackling ASB comprehensively. If you are debating this in your organisation we would love to hear your thoughts on the policies – does anyone go far enough? Our poll conducted at the start of the election campaign would indicate not… has your perception changed?
ASB News
The Post Election Justice Reform Plan: What Does It Mean for ASB Professionals?
A justice reform charity, the Centre for Justice Innovation, has released a post-election criminal justice action plan. Endorsed by former Labour lord chancellor Lord Falconer, these proposals aim to create a more efficient and responsive justice system including:
- Early Release for Shorter Sentences: Prisoners serving four years or less would be released after 40% of their term, increasing community supervision needs.
- Expanded Magistrates’ Court Jurisdiction: District judges to handle cases with up to two-year sentences, reducing Crown court workloads and speeding up minor offence resolutions.
- Youth Intensive Supervision Courts: Specialised courts for at-risk youth could lead to better-targeted interventions and reduced recidivism.
- Community-Based ASB Case Hearings: Magistrates to hear ASB cases locally, enhancing community engagement and collaboration.
- Structural Reforms: Merging the Home Office and Ministry of Justice aims for streamlined operations and more consistent enforcement strategies.
- Institute for Justice: Annual forecasts of criminal justice capacity to aid in planning and resource allocation.
Darren’s thoughts: These proposed justice reforms would be welcome changes from an ASB perspective. Early release for shorter sentences will require stronger community supervision, and expanding magistrates’ court jurisdiction will expedite minor offence resolutions. Youth intensive supervision courts could reduce recidivism among young offenders, while community-based ASB hearings will enhance local engagement. Structural reforms and the Institute for Justice will ensure consistent enforcement and better resource planning. However, whether these changes come into force will depend on the actions taken after the election…
ASB Support For You – Still Time To Sign Up For Our Upcoming Programmes
There is still time to sign up for the following upcoming training programmes:
3rd July – The Equality Act In Practice with Amy Stirton – Just £99 – Limited Spaces Remaining – Enrol Here
10th July – Customer Satisfaction Masterclass with Partner Darren Burton – Detailed Support for £249 – Limited Spaces Remaining – Enrol Here
Signed Up To The Conference Yet? Share Your I’m Attending Badge!
Have you secured your spot for the #ASB10 Conference on the 15th of October? If you’ve registered, make sure to share your ‘I’m Attending’ badge across your LinkedIn to let your network know!
This conference marks a significant milestone—the 10th anniversary of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014—and promises a full day packed with valuable insights, expert-led sessions, and unmatched networking opportunities.
What’s in Store?
– Engage with top professionals during our expert-led sessions and explore best practices and innovative strategies in ASB and community safety.
– Participate in ‘Lunch and Learn’ fringe sessions that are sure to challenge your thinking and enhance your knowledge.
– Connect with industry leaders and peers in an environment designed for networking and professional growth.
Haven’t Registered Yet?
It’s not too late for you to take advantage of our early bird pricing which is valid until the 14th of July. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this landmark event. Secure your spot now and join us as we reflect on the past decade and look forward to the future of ASB management.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the event date, including spotlights on our speakers and sessions that will provide you with actionable insights and strategies to take back to your role.
Janine & Darren