Home Department written question – answered at on 17 November 2004.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department
(1) how many graffiti removal notices have been served under the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003;
(2) what assessment he has made of the efficacy of graffiti removal notices;
(3) what duties are incumbent on local authorities to remove graffiti from local authority owned premises and facilities; and what steps local communities can take to enforce such action.
Graffiti is a serious issue that makes areas look run down and can often lead to an increase in crime and the fear of crime.
That is why we introduced Graffiti Removal Notices in the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 to ensure rapid removal of graffiti on street furniture, educational institutes and statutory undertakers' property. These provisions are being piloted in 12 sites in England. No notices have been served to date since strong and effective partnership arrangements have been established between local authorities and the telecommunications industry and others making the sanction of notices unnecessary to date. We are currently undertaking a Regulatory Impact Assessment to determine the impact and cost of improved graffiti removal arrangements with the partners in the pilots and are seeking comments up until
There is no specific duty on local authorities to remove graffiti from all of their properties. However, many already remove it speedily because of the negative messages uncleaned graffiti sends out to a community. Local authorities typically require the removal of graffiti through their cleansing contracts and normally respond to racist, homophobic and other offensive graffiti within 24 hours of reports being received.
Local communities have a vital role to play in ensuring local authorities respond to a range of antisocial behaviour priorities. However, since there is currently no requirement on local authorities to remove graffiti, active engagement with the local Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and relevant functions at the local authority is the best way for local communities to register concerns about graffiti.
Yes2 people think so
No0 people think not
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