This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Anti-Social Behaviour Bill
30/10/2003
A package of measures to tackle the scourge of
anti-social behaviour was unveiled today.
The
Anti-Social Behaviour Etc. (Scotland) Bill will make
the legal framework for tackling the problem more
effective, and marks the latest stage in the Executive's
anti-social behaviour action plan for the second
Parliament.
The Bill follows a summer of unprecedented consultation
when communities, organisations and individuals across
Scotland delivered a clear message to Ministers that they
were fed up of anti-social behaviour and wanted action from
Government.
Speaking as the 13-part Bill was published today, First
Minister Jack McConnell said:
"Our job as politicians is to listen - and act - on the
concerns of those who elect us. A major concern of Scots
of all ages and across all communities is anti-social
behaviour.
"It doesn't matter where I go or who I speak to, people
are quick to tell me of the damage and despair that
anti-social behaviour in its many forms brings to them and
their neighbourhoods.
"The vast majority of young Scots are a credit to
themselves, their communities and Scotland. They are as
fed-up as the other law-abiding people in our communities
of the intimidation and disruption to their lives caused by
mindless thugs.
"Our proposals send out a strong message to all Scots
suffering from anti-social behaviour that we have listened
to what they have said, that we understand and have taken
action. Most of all, that anti-social behaviour in all its
forms is not acceptable in Scotland any longer.
"It damages lives, reduces opportunities and undermines
investment in communities. We will not let the behaviour
of a small minority have such a corrosive impact on the
lives of the majority.
"Decent, hard-working families want politicians on their
side. They want us to challenge those who say and seem to
accept nothing can be done. And above all else, they want
to live in peace and get respect back in their
communities. This Bill will help make that happen."
Communities Minister Margaret Curran added:
"This summer's consultation emphasised to me in the
clearest, starkest terms that anti-social behaviour is a
serious problem that must be dealt with, and that we are
right to make it a key priority.
"This Bill and our wider strategy are about changing
people's behaviour, not just dealing with the consequences
of their actions. Our proposals are not about targeting
any particular groups in our society. Anti-social
behaviour is not just caused by young people or any other
group. It is caused by a majority of selfish,
irresponsible and criminal people of all ages. These are
the people we want to target.
"The policy package we are unveiling today aims not only
to tackle anti-social behaviour but to promote positive
social behaviour. We put prevention first, voluntary
measures next, but will have tough and effective sanctions
for those who persistently fail to respond. There are gaps
in the law, gaps we intend to plug.
"The key to success will be committed and joined-up
working across the Executive and all relevant agencies
involved. And it will also depend on the active
involvement of our communities.
"The job of Government is to stand up for people and the
things that matter to them - their families, their jobs,
safety and security. We need to bring respect back into
our communities, to help create a better, safer Scotland.
We said at the outset that we wanted to put our communities
first. This Bill does that."
The key provisions of the Bill include:
• Extension of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) to
under-16s;
• Parenting Orders;
• Electronic monitoring (tagging) of under-16s;
• Ban the sale of spray paint to under-16s;
• Anti-Social Behaviour strategies in local authority
areas;
• More effective ASBOs;
• Targeted powers to disperse groups;
• Closure of premises (eg drinking or drug 'dens')
• Enhanced noise nuisance powers;
• Environmental measures tackling fly-tipping and
litter;
• Community Reparation Orders;
• Fixed Penalties for anti-social behaviour;
• Local authorities being held accountable for duty
to implement supervision requirements and educate children
excluded from school.
The consultation paper 'Putting our Communities First -
A Strategy for Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour' was
published on June 26. The consultation closed on September
11.