Funding for tackling antisocial behaviour in Scotland announced

Funding for local communities to tackle antisocial behaviour was
announced by Hugh Henry today as it emerged that no local
authorities have used powers to issue antisocial behaviour orders
to children as young as 12, which came into force four months ago,
writes Clare Jerrom.

Under the Antisocial Behaviour Act, powers were given to local
authorities in October to extend antisocial behaviour orders from
over-16s to children aged between 12 and 15-years-old.

However, a Scottish executive spokesperson confirmed today that
no authorities had used the powers to place an asbo on a child
under-16.

At the same time, deputy justice minister Hugh Henry announced
that £30.83 million was being earmarked for tackling
antisocial behaviour in 2006-7 and this would rise to £33.16
million in 2007-8.

It is likely the money will be spent on strengthening existing
services including specialised antisocial behaviour teams,
mediation services and community wardens.

Henry said: “Funding alone will not solve the problems of
antisocial behaviour – it needs to be targeted at areas of
local concern and it relies on the commitment of all
partners.”