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‘New Powers Will Get Tough On Anti-Social Behaviour And Truancy’ Says Joe Benton

Joe Benton MP has welcomed new powers to tackle anti social behaviour in Bootle. New powers will be available to local education authorities, youth offending teams, police and the courts from today, Thursday 26th February.

Joe Benton MP said:

“These new laws from the Anti Social Behaviour Act will make a real difference in Bootle. From Thursday we will be able to provide more support to parents and to take tough action against those who are responsible for anti social behaviour.”

“Voluntary parenting contracts will provide support for parents; these can include parenting classes or counselling. For the small minority of parents who are unwilling to make the effort to improve their child’s behaviour there will be legally enforceable parenting orders.

Penalty notices of up to £100 will be available as an alternative to prosecution for parents who do not take responsibility for securing their child’s regular attendance at school.”

Education Minister Ivan Lewis MP said:

“Children have a fundamental right to an education, and parents must play their part in supporting the schools by ensuring that their child attends school regularly and behaves well. While the vast majority of parents carry out this responsibility effectively, it is a sad fact that a minority do not. Half of all truants apprehended by police in truancy sweeps are accompanied by their parents.

“Where parents are unable to fulfil their responsibilities, parenting contracts will provide them with the professional support they need and focus on what needs to be done to improve their child’s attendance or behaviour.

“However, where parents are simply unwilling to fulfil their responsibilities, it must be right that society demands legal sanctions, and penalty notices for truancy and Parenting Orders for behaviour will provide due accountability.”