A major think-tank has proposed that parents should have their welfare benefits reduced if their children exhibit anti-social behavior, following a recent outbreak of violence in Middlesbrough. The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) released a report suggesting that families could face benefit deductions or eviction from social housing if their children cause trouble for neighbors.
This proposal comes in the wake of significant disorder in Middlesbrough last week. Over 200 police officers were deployed after violence erupted near the A66 following a car crash that resulted in the deaths of five youths and two police officers. The unrest was reportedly linked by police to an organized crime gang feud.
The CSJ report highlights a rise in anti-social behavior since the Labour party came to power. According to the think-tank, 41 percent of adults reported experiencing or witnessing disorder in the past year, an increase from 35 percent in 2024.