 The
Scottish Parliament has passed the Executive’s flagship legislation, the
Antisocial Behaviour Bill. The measures outlined in the Bill have received
strong support from Environment Minister and local MSP, Allan Wilson, who
believes the Bill can make a real difference in improving North Ayrshire’s
communities.
The Bill will give police more powers to tackle crimes such as vandalism,
and allow them to take action against gangs within antisocial ‘hot-spots’.
The Bill will also see more community involvement on the issue, with
community representatives given a greater role as local authorities put in
place antisocial behaviour strategies.
Measures such as Anti Social Behaviour Orders for under 16s; introducing a
registration system for private landlords; and the introduction of parenting
orders, have also been included in the Bill.
Following the vote Allan Wilson MSP said, “I am delighted that the
Parliament has passed this Bill. While overall crime is falling in Scotland
I believe this piece of legislation can make a real difference in tackling
antisocial behaviour in communities across Cunninghame North. Labour is on
the side of many decent hardworking families who want to rid their area of
antisocial behaviour. This Bill will give both the police and local
authorities a range of new powers, and ensure our communities have a real
input into the way in which these powers are applied locally.”
“Over the last year I have meet with numerous constituents and local
organisations to discuss the measures outlined in the Bill and I know that
there is a real demand for action on this issue. My constituents can be
assured that their concerns have been listened to and acted upon.”
“ I am disappointed however that the SNP failed to support new powers of
dispersal for the police and that Campbell Martin, an ex-SNP MSP failed to
turn up to vote on an issue which concerns so many of my constituents. They
seem to be more concerned with fighting each other than fighting crime and
disorder in our communities,” said Mr Wilson.
Allan Wilson also welcomed the extra resources which have been allocated to
antisocial behaviour and stressed that the Bill was only the start of a
wider package of reform aimed at tackling the causes antisocial behaviour
and restoring respect for others in our communities.
He added “I am confident that with these new powers along with added
resources, we can effectively tackle youth crime, vandalism and antisocial
behaviour and help turn young peoples’ energy into more positive pursuits.
This has never been about stigmatising young people. Quite the contrary.
Young people are often the first victims of the actions of the anti social
minority, and taking steps to reclaim communities for the law abiding
majority will improve their quality of life as well ”
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