The system of fixed penalty notices for anti-social behaviour will go nationwide, the home secretary has announced.

David Blunkett told the Police Federation's annual conference that officers across the country would gain powers to issue the £40 or £80 fines.

The 3040 notices already issued had helped police officers tackle public order offences without spending hours tied up in paperwork at the police station, he said.

"Front line police officers have told us how much they value being able to use fixed penalty notices to tackle crimes such as being drunk and disorderly and minor public order offences without having to be tied up in the police station for hours on end filling out forms," said Blunkett.

"That is why we have decided to implement the scheme nationally by the end of the year as part of our ongoing drive to tackle anti-social behaviour."

Police officers were told that tackling anti-social behaviour was a key part of the government's anti-crime agenda.

Seeking to boost the morale of police officers and gain support for his policies, the home secretary also pledged to do more to reduce paperwork and red tape.

The Home Office is "serious about stamping out bureaucracy and enabling police officers to get out on the streets and do their job", said Blunkett.

He added that the whole criminal justice system would be reformed to ensure it was effective "from charging to sentencing".

"I recognise that although we have come far, we need to go further, and I invite the police themselves to be a key part in shaping and implementing further improvements and modernisation. We must drive the agenda forward and work together to deliver safe streets, safe homes and safe communities.

"We are on the same side, the side of the law abiding citizen. You are on their side, and I am on your side. Police reform has been implemented and is now part of working practice across England and Wales. Police performance is improving, and police numbers are at an all time high and rising."