Local MP, Huw Merriman, has welcomed new measures to tackle anti-social behaviour in Sussex and make people feel safer in their communities.
As part of the Government’s new Anti-social Behaviour Action Plan, which was published on Monday (27 March), Sussex has been chosen to participate in a new ‘Immediate Justice’ pilot scheme. This pilot will see funds invested to establish new and immediate justice pathways that deliver swift and visible punishment for anti-social behaviour.
This new approach will seek to divert offenders away from the criminal justice system. They will instead undertake practical, reparative activity, in the communities where they committed acts of anti-social behaviour, to make good the loss or damage sustained by their victims. The plan sets out an ambition for reparative justice to start 48 hours after an offence has been committed, with local communities involved in deciding the type of punishment or consequences perpetrators should face.
Backed by around £50 million, the Immediate Justice scheme will start in 10 initial trailblazer police force areas and be rolled out nationally in 2024.
Welcoming the Government’s announcement, Huw said:
“People’s lives are too often made a misery due to the blight of anti-social behaviour in their local communities. The powerlessness felt by victims when anti-social behaviour goes unpunished means they are less likely to report anti-social behaviour at all.
“Measures announced in the Government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan will see anti-social behaviour treated with the urgency it deserves. The rolling out of the new Immediate Justice service in Sussex will ensure that offenders face immediate consequences for their actions and local residents have a say in the type of punishment handed out.
“The plan will build upon progress that has already been made and will help to ensure people can feel both safe in, and proud of, where they live.”
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, added:
“I welcome the Government’s announcement of a comprehensive Action Plan to crack down on anti-social behaviour and am delighted that we have been chosen as a trailblazer for the new ‘Immediate Justice’ pilot.
“I have been listening to residents’ concerns about increasing levels of anti-social behaviour and my office is already assembling a project team to scope the types of programmes we can deliver in conjunction with Sussex Police, our local authorities and partners.”
The Anti-social Behaviour Action Plan outlines a new approach that will provide Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs), local authorities, and other agencies, the tools they need to tackle anti-social behaviour faced by local communities. The plan seeks to address five key areas, including: stronger punishment for perpetrators; making communities safer; enhancing local pride; prevention and intervention; and improving data, reporting and accountability.
