David Blunkett has set out plans to renew civic society with a call for tougher and more visible justice.

In a speech in London the home secretary said citizens must be empowered by the justice system.

"How we work with communities to renew themselves and improve local services must be fundamental to the next stage of the government's reform agenda," he said.

FDA

Jonathan Baume, general secretary of the FDA, said: "We welcome the home secretary's proposals to boost the profile of senior crown prosecutors. They play a pivotal role in delivering the government's ambitious agenda to reform the criminal justice system and ensure that communities feel safe.

"The FDA is already working closely with the attorney general in piloting new arrangements between prosecutors and the police, with the Crown Prosecution Service taking responsibility for decisions about charging individuals. We look forward to working with the home secretary to take forward his new ideas."

Forum Response: Barnardo's

Pam Hibbert, spokeswoman for Barnardo's, told ePolitix.com: "Any plans to have locally-elected police boards should take into account disadvantaged young people.

"Young people from disadvantaged groups are not the ones who put themselves forward to be representatives for such boards, so the government needs to ensure that measures are taken to include them. If they are not, then the groups would not be truly representative of the community.

"Hopefully any plans will provide the opportunity for young people to be consulted and ensure that their voices are heard at a local level."