LOCAL FOCUS ON TACKLING CRIME WELCOMED BY COUNCILS

Local authorities have welcomed changes in the government’s strategy for dealing with crime as they believe it is a step towards a more locally-focussed approach to tackling the problem. The strategy – ‘Cutting Crime: a new partnership 2008-11’ is being heralded by ministers as signalling a renewed focus on tackling serious violence and keeping a tight grip on anti-social behaviour. The Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, said it would see a new era of simple, accessible local crime information.

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For the first time schools have been given guidance that sets out exactly what they will be expected to do to fulfill their new duty to promote community cohesion. The guidelines include examples of steps schools can take, ranging from extending their services to citizenship classes.

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By David Page Regenerating a neighbourhood is a complex business and social issues can get less attention than physical regeneration. The author looks at the soft issues in regeneration programmes where there were concentrations of poverty and worklessness. Against a background of persistent social exclusion he suggests ways forward.