Anti Social behaviour plans - "Government’s responsibility and contribution is sadly lacking"

First Minister Jack McConnell and Communities Minister Margaret Curran will today (Thursday) launch the Scottish Executive's Anti-Social Behaviour Bill. However, the plans have attracted criticism from the Scottish Council for Single Homeless.

SCSH Director, Robert Aldridge, comments:

"We are only too well aware that some people become homeless as a result of anti social behaviour conducted against them. So it is important for the Scottish Executive not only to find new punishments for those who cause misery in communities, but also to invest in long term solutions which tackle the root causes of such behaviour.

For example, in relation to young people the Children’s Hearing system which tackles the whole needs of a family must be the focus, and good projects like the Dundee Families Project need to be replicated elsewhere.

It is important too that government recognises it has a role to play in ensuring there is investment which can help tackle the problem. Good quality litter collection services, a wider range of youth services and investment in sound insulation in houses with paper thin walls could all make a big difference. The Government’s responsibility and contribution is sadly lacking in the Bill."

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1. SCSH is the national membership organisation for individuals and organisations working with homeless people.
2. The comments above are based on the recommendations contained in the Executive's consultation on measures to tackle anti -social behaviour entitled "Putting our Communities first".
3. Robert Aldridge is Director of SCSH. He is a member of the Homelessness Monitoring Group, Health & Homelessness Steering Group and the Supporting People Stakeholders. He was previously a member of the Scottish Executive's Homelessness Task Force as well as the Rough Sleepers' Initiative Advisory Group. Robert is the UK representative on FEANTSA's Administrative Council (European network of homelessness organisations).