- New drive to keep communities safer
Preventing and addressing antisocial behaviour will be the focus
of a new independently chaired working group being set up by the
Scottish Government.
Members will look at the current approach and make
recommendations on what long-term changes can be made to reduce
such behaviour and support victims. It is expected that the group
will provide regular updates and present their conclusions to
Ministers by the end of 2024.
The new group was announced following the publication of a joint
report on antisocial behaviour by the Scottish Government and the
Scottish Community Safety Network.
Community Safety Minister , who is bringing together
the working group, said:
“We want everyone to be, and feel, safe in their community and we
are committed to tackling all forms of antisocial behaviour.
Reported antisocial behaviour has broadly been in decline over
the last decade, but the recent disorder on Bonfire Night, in
particular, has shown that where issues arise, these can have a
very serious impact for many people.
“The report published today recommends that we need to consider
how we best develop our long-term approach to preventing and
addressing this type of behaviour. That is why I will be
convening an independently chaired working group. It is nearly 20
years since the Antisocial Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Act 2004 was
introduced and it is right that we examine whether this remains
fit for purpose and that we assess our wider approach.
“I am grateful to those who took part in the engagement work with
the Scottish Government and the Scottish Community Safety Network
and shared their views and experience of antisocial behaviour.
This report will inform the work of the new group.”
Director of the Children and Young People’s Centre for Justice
Fiona Dyer, who will be one of two chairs of the working group,
said:
“I am really looking forward to working with colleagues to
support the prevention of antisocial behaviour across Scotland.
Research demonstrates the vital importance and value of better
engaging, enabling, and supporting individuals and their
communities to reduce incidents of antisocial behaviour.
“Through encouraging actively social behaviour within local
communities, we can collectively address current issues and
develop an inclusive and effective strategy that Scotland will be
proud of.”
Joint co-chair Lorraine Gillies, Chief Officer at the Scottish
Community Safety Network, said:
“Ultimately, we believe victims will experience less antisocial
behaviour with a changed approach, making our communities safer
places. We believe in taking evidence-based approaches to what
works to reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, focused on
tackling root causes and working together with communities to
find solutions.
“I welcome the publication of our co-authored report - written in
partnership with the Scottish Government - and the announcement
of an independent working group, set up to review antisocial
behaviour in-depth. I look forward to pursuing this work and, in
doing so, improving people’s lives.”
Background
Reviewing Scotland’s
Approach to Antisocial Behaviour
Members of the working group are being finalised and will be
announced in due course.
