Name and shame plan ‘may backfire’

The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities has raised concerns about plans to allow councils to name and shame young people subject to antisocial behaviour orders.

The idea was put forward by Scotland’s first minister, Jack McConnell, after he saw it in action in Manchester. He said Scottish councils that wanted to do likewise would have his “full support”.

But Cosla’s social work spokesperson, Eric Jackson, said it could be counterproductive to use measures such as leafleting neighbourhoods with the names and photographs of children under 16 who had been given Asbos.

“Some people might see it as a sign of street credibility and something to aspire to,” Jackson said.