Cabinet then discussed work to
further tackle crime and reduce re-offending.
The Prime Minister said this was
vital to building strong, safe communities that the public are
proud to call their home. He said substantial progress had been
made already with overall crime down 14% compared to December
2019.
He said this came on top of a
series of new initiatives including the anti-social behaviour
action plan, a new taskforce to crack down on child sexual
exploitation and confirmation that we have recruited more than
20,000 police officers.
He said that tomorrow the
Government would publish its Fraud strategy, a vital piece of
work given that over 40% of all crime is now fraud.
The Home Secretary detailed some
of the success in reducing crime over recent years. She said year
on year reductions meant there are now 4.9 million fewer crimes
since 2010 with significant falls in neighbourhood crime and
serious violence. However she said there was more to do, with the
Home Office focused on creating safer neighbourhoods, supporting
victims and taking tough action on offenders.
The Justice Secretary said the
overall reoffending rate had decreased from 31.6% in 2010/11 to
24.4% in 2020/21, in part due to success in ensuring more prison
leavers are employed within six months of their release and
ensuring they have settled accommodation.
The Prime Minister concluded by
saying crucial progress has been made, but that Government would
not be complacent and must continue to ensure the public feel
safe wherever they are in the country.
