16/09/2008

£56.5m Funding To Tackle Youth Crime Announced

More after-school patrols and street-based teams to prevent and tackle youth crime will be funded by a cash injection of £56.5 million, the Government has announced.

The funding - which will boost money for 69 local authorities in every corner of England - is a major milestone in the delivery of the Youth Crime Action Plan, launched in July.

The scheme aims to tackle youth crime through a comprehensive plan of early prevention, non-negotiable support and tough enforcement.

All parts of England will be offered the funding to boost the drive to tackle youth crime, but today each of the 69 areas are being offered £700,000 to implement an intensive package of action over the next three years, with an immediate cash injection of £90,000 available to each local authority this year.

This builds on the work already underway in many local areas across the country and on the Government's track record in investing in children and young people.

Home Secretary, Jacqui Smith, said: "I know the vast majority of young people are on the right track but there is a minority whose behaviour causes disruption to their communities.

"I want young people to be able to fulfil their full potential but that means intervening as early as possible to prevent offending and to ensure that unacceptable behaviour is tackled effectively."

She added: "The money we are investing today demonstrates this Government's determination to tackle youth crime and improve the quality of life for young people, their families and their communities."

In addition 20 local authorities will get an extra £100,000 this year to expand Family Intervention Projects.

The Government selected the areas using a variety of data to help best focus resources on priority areas.

(JM)

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