Background
Since 2003, with the introduction of the Anti-social behaviour Act, the government has increased the powers and tools to assist local authorities, police and other partners in dealing with the range of anti-social behaviours. The Home Office continues to hold the lead responsibility for tackling Anti-Social Behaviour. However, in July 2007 the Respect Task Force moved from the Home Office to the Department for Children Schools and Families and was re-named the Youth Task Force.
Its Action Plan was published in March 2008 and sets out how the government intends to support and tackle those young people who get into trouble, including anti-social behaviour, and how to enforce good behaviour and tackle the underlying causes. The Action Plan also sets out 18 commitments backed with £234.5m funding. Initially the plan will focus on improving the government’s response to anti-social behaviour through support and challenge for young people and their families, and prevention through targeted youth support. Using a ‘whole family’ approach to tackle young people’s problems. Ensuring young people from most deprived areas can access positive activities.
Anti Social Behaviour Funding
In England, in 2005-06 the Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinators Grant was pooled within the Safer and Stronger Communities Fund. This pooled budget supports the delivery of Local Area Agreements, which the Department for Communities & Local Government pay to Unitary and Top Tier Local Authorities as the Accountable Body within a local partnership. From 2008-09 these pooled budgets have formed part of the unringfenced Area Based Grant (ABG) which is subject to local decisions.
