A prominent think tank is urging the government to implement measures that would dock the benefits of parents whose children exhibit antisocial behavior, and in some cases, evict families from their social housing. The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) made these recommendations in the wake of rising concerns about lawlessness and disorder.
The CSJ's proposals, detailed in its "Hijacked High Streets" inquiry, suggest that parents should face financial penalties or eviction if their children continue to engage in disruptive behavior within their communities. Specifically, fines for poor conduct that go unpaid could be deducted from a tenant's Universal Credit at 15% of the standard allowance. The think tank also advocates for empowering social landlords to seek possession of properties where any occupant persistently engages in antisocial behavior.
This call for stricter measures comes as official figures indicate a rise in antisocial behavior since the current government took power. Last year, 41% of adults reported experiencing or witnessing disorder, an increase from 35% the previous year. The issue gained renewed attention following a recent incident in Middlesbrough, where gang violence prompted the deployment of over 200 police officers.
IMAGE1: Antisocial behaviour has risen since Labour came to power, with 41 per cent of adults experiencing or witnessing disorder last year compared to 35 per cent the year before.
In addition to benefit docking and eviction, the CSJ's report recommends other measures to combat antisocial behavior and related crimes, such as shoplifting. These include enabling councils to implement three-month bans on face coverings in crime hotspots. For repeat offenders, the report suggests GPS tagging, curfews, and restrictions preventing them from entering certain high streets. The think tank also proposes granting security guards new powers to detain shoplifters and encouraging businesses to report every incident to the police.
Furthermore, the CSJ calls on ministers to leverage legislation to allow retailers to use facial recognition technology to identify and apprehend prolific offenders. The inquiry also found that a significant majority of "dodgy" high street shops remain operational despite increased enforcement efforts.
Shadow home secretary Chris Philp commented on the growing crime problem, stating, "If people do not feel safe on their high streets, they will not visit them." He criticized the current government's approach, alleging they have been "soft on crime" and have exacerbated the issue by increasing taxes that have led to business closures and boarded-up streets. Philp also claimed that the government has reduced police numbers since taking office.
IMAGE2: Shadow home secretary Chris Philp said on Tuesday: ‘If people do not feel safe on their high streets, they will not visit them'
Sir Iain Duncan-Smith, chair of the Centre for Social Justice, described antisocial behavior as "the single greatest issue affecting the law-abiding public," lamenting that police and councils appear to be overlooking its worsening prevalence. He urged ministers to seriously consider the report's proposals to reclaim public spaces from gangs and ensure the safety of law-abiding citizens.