Together Initiative

Oral Answers to Questions — Home Office – in the House of Commons at 2:30 pm on 31 January 2005.

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Photo of Fiona Mactaggart Fiona Mactaggart Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

On 28 October 2004, the Government published two reports highlighting progress made since the antisocial behaviour action plan was launched in October 2003. Results from a national antisocial behaviour survey showed that, between October 2003 and September 2004, 5,383 acceptable behaviour contracts were made and 2,633 antisocial behaviour orders issued, and that between January 2004 and September 2004, 158 crack house orders and 418 dispersal orders were made. Projecting the results of the survey nationally, that is in excess of 100,000 cases tackled in the 12-month period.

In addition, more than 2,500 people were trained at Together academy events and more than 6,200 practitioners have used the Together action line. We also announced the 50 new Together action areas.

Photo of Kevin Brennan Kevin Brennan PPS (Rt Hon Alan Milburn, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster), Cabinet Office

I thank my hon. Friend for her comprehensive answer. What message would she give to the agencies participating in a meeting that I am organising in my constituency next month, under the auspices of the initiative, to ensure that we tackle and refuse to tolerate antisocial behaviour? Will she comment on the proposal announced in the House last week that the Liberal Democrats want to reduce the age of drinking to 16, which is—

Photo of Fiona Mactaggart Fiona Mactaggart Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Home Office)

I had the privilege of speaking at the Together academy in Cardiff, and I want to praise people there who have worked well together to drive out antisocial behaviour in their communities. My hon. Friend asked what message I would bring to the meeting that he is co-ordinating, and my answer is, keep at it, working together. I would also stress that we are on the side of the law-abiding majority in wanting to drive out the antisocial behaviour of the minority.