9 January 2006
Properties from hell will be "shut and sealed" under proposed powers to be unveiled this week by the Prime Minister.
The "Respect" Action Plan, to be published Tuesday, is part of the government’s on-going drive against anti-social behaviour.
Laws introduced three years ago gave police powers to close down crack houses and other premises known to be used for Class A drugs. The powers have been widely used and welcomed by communities who had felt under siege.
The government now intends to introduce a new power to cover any property which is the focus for "persistent and serious nuisance" to local communities.
It will also seek the views of people up and down the country and legislation will be put forward at the earliest available opportunity.
Many communities will know of a flat, house, pub, club or shop which is a magnet for persistent and serious nuisance.
The PM believes that it is only by shutting them down that the behaviour can be properly dealt with.
It will be a "last resort" measure and there will be saferguards where children and vulnerable people are involved, but Mr Blair firmly believes that the police need tough powers to act where necessary.
In a newspaper interview, he said:
"People have to know that if they are making life hell for others, they are going to pay the price. I recognise that this is controversial but if we are going to restore respect in the community we have to make sure the civil liberties of people to live free from fear comes first."
Webchat with Louise Casey
You can take part in a web chat with Louise Casey, head of the Government’s Respect task force, soon.
The task force is aiming to improve communities across the UK by tackling poor parenting and yobbish behaviour.
This is your chance to put a question to Ms Casey, who was formerly the National Director of the Home Office’s anti-social behaviour unit.
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