This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Antisocial Behaviour Bill
09/03/2004
The Executive's drive to tackle antisocial behaviour
(ASB) will change the lives of people living in all parts
of Scotland for the better, Communities Minister Margaret
Curran said today.
Speaking ahead of tomorrow's Stage 1 debate on the
Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Bill, the Minister said
it was now widely accepted that ASB was a serious problem
requiring serious action.
Ms Curran said:
"We have come a long way since highlighting antisocial
behaviour as a priority issue to be tackled in the
Partnership Agreement. No longer do I have to spend time
explaining why tackling ASB has to be a key priority. We
can now focus our actions on how we are tackling the issue
head on.
"The ASB Bill will help change the lives of Scottish
people for the better.
We have listened and we have acted. Let no-one tell
communities that their fundamental right to live in safety
and security is too basic or too difficult to deserve our
full attention.
"There can be no doubt that antisocial behaviour ruins
lives, lowers expectations and threatens regeneration. But
I believe we have now reached a key milestone where
everyone agrees that ASB is a serious problem, agrees about
its corrosive effects and accepts that we need to step up
our efforts to tackle it .
"Our legislation is only one element of our strategy on
ASB. A strategy that also includes spreading best
practice, ensuring people have access to basic information
and support services, and getting the funding right.
"The Bill is about getting the law right on antisocial
behaviour, and seeking Parliament's approval of its general
principles is a significant step forward in our
determination to improve the lives of those who suffer from
antisocial behaviour."