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Questions Not Answered Orally

The Government were asked—

Acceptable Behaviour Orders

10. Mr. Mark Field: How many acceptable behaviour orders have been issued in each police force since their introduction. [193731]

Caroline Flint : The Home Office does not routinely collect statistics on the use or otherwise of acceptable behaviour contracts—ABCs. ABC schemes, also known as acceptable behaviour agreements, are voluntary and have been developed by a range of agencies whose role it is to prevent such behaviour. Figures released today from the National Survey on Antisocial Behaviour show that 5,383 contracts have been signed in England and Wales and 45 of these ABCs have been issued in the hon. Gentleman's constituency. I understand from Westminster's return to this survey that its overall antisocial behaviour strategy has proved successful in improving community confidence.

Registered Social Landlords (ASBOs)

11. Mr. Gerald Howarth: How many antisocial behaviour orders have been applied for by registered social landlords in each year since 2002. [193732]

Phil Hope : The number of antisocial behaviour orders, as notified to the Home Office, where the main complainant was a registered social landlord is as follows: January to December 2003: 24; January to June 2004 (latest data available): 29.

Fly-tipping

12. Mr. Wilshire: If the Government will make fly-tipping an arrestable offence. [193733]

Alun Michael : All offences that on first conviction can receive a prison sentence of five years or more, which includes hazardous waste fly-tipping, are already arrestable under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. DEFRA has recently consulted on a range of proposals in the fly-tipping strategy and clean neighbourhoods consultations, including ensuring the main fly-tipping offence provides a greater deterrent. Measures will be brought forward at the next legislative opportunity.

Colleagues in the Home Office have also recently consulted on proposals to make all offences arrestable, provided that they are a serious enough example. If these proposals are brought forward, there will be no need to make specific changes to waste legislation.

13. Mr. Swayne: What steps the Government are taking to reduce the antisocial dumping of (a) hazardous and (b) other waste. [193734]

Phil Hope : The illegal disposal of both hazardous and non-hazardous waste is a serious criminal offence. The Government are committed to ensuring that it is dealt with appropriately and are taking steps on a number of
 
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fronts. Measures to help tackle fly-tipping have been included in the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003, which were commenced from 31 March 2004. DEFRA has also recently consulted on a range of measures in the clean neighbourhoods consultation, which will be brought forward at the next legislative opportunity.

Duration of ASBOs

14. Mr. Gibb: What was the average duration of antisocial behaviour orders issued in each year since 1999. [193735]

Caroline Flint : Figures relating to the average duration of antisocial behaviour orders are not collected centrally. However, we collect figures on the number of ASBOs issued by duration of order. The minimum duration of an ASBO is two years but there is no maximum period. An ASBO may be made for an indefinite period. It is for the court to decide the duration depending on the age of the recipient and the severity of their antisocial behaviour.

Unlawful Pollution

15. Mr. Blunt: What discussions the Government have had with (a) the Environment Agency, (b) local authorities and (c) police authorities regarding the policing of unlawful pollution of the environment.

Alun Michael : The Government take a joined-up approach to the whole continuum of antisocial behaviour, from the low level environmental crime including fly-posting, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, noise and light pollution, through to more serious crime. In the case of environmental damage and pollution Departments across Government work closely to support co-operation between the Environment Agency, local authorities and the police authorities, including dealing with the policing of these issues.

Police Costs

16. Mr. Francois: How much the Government estimate is the cost to the police of dealing with (a) fly-tipping (b) abandoned cars and (c) graffiti, (i) nationally and (ii) by police force. [193737]

Caroline Flint : We do not ask police forces to provide details of cost estimates to deal with fly-tipping, abandoned cars and graffiti either nationally or by police force.

We provide grant for police authorities based on overall estimates of their relative needs for the main sweep of policing. It is for the police authority and chief officer locally to determine precisely how to organise their budgets to address local problems.

Graffiti

17. Tom Brake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when he will extend to other areas the trial which allows local authorities to charge businesses for graffiti removal after failure to respond to a graffiti removal notice. [193738]

 
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Caroline Flint : The graffiti removal notice provisions in the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 are being piloted in 12 local authority areas. It is already evident that the pilots have worked extremely well and other local authorities are keen to replicate the partnership arrangements that have been established. We are
 
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currently undertaking a regulatory impact assessment on the impact of the powers and consulting on the guidance which has been issued. The consultation period formally closes on the 31 December 2004. The responses will then be considered and a formal announcement made in early 2005.

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