Antisocial Behaviour (Private Housing)

Part of General Questions – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:00 pm on 9 December 2004.

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Photo of Hugh Henry Hugh Henry Labour 2:00, 9 December 2004

We have provided the legal framework for tackling antisocial behaviour and the financial resources to allow local authorities to implement the legislation and to respond to antisocial behaviour. It then becomes a matter for local decision makers to determine exactly how they should best respond in their areas.

I hope that local authorities will be imaginative in their use of the extra resources that we have provided. I cannot speak specifically for Brian Adam's area, but I tell him that in imaginative local authorities in Scotland, members of staff already act as witnesses. I encourage Brian Adam's local authority to contact my local authority, Renfrewshire Council, which has had a scheme for some time that enables staff to assist as witnesses where required. I believe that the scheme is by no means unique.