Minister for London Tessa Jowell visited Greenwich yesterday (28
July) to talk to local people about the Government’s new policy
plan ‘Building Britain’s Future’. This plan – to
help the country recover quickly from the recession and emerge fairer, more
prosperous and sustainable – is being discussed around the country by
Ministers and local people.
In Greenwich, Tessa Jowell hosted a straight-talking discussion about crime
with people living and working in the borough. Attended by local people,
Police, Councillors, Government Office for London staff, Youth Programmes
Workers and Greenwich Area Youth Forum members, the event gave them the
chance to give their views on the Government’s proposals for the
future of the country and their local area.
Many types of crime in Greenwich are falling, with for example, vehicle
thefts down 20 per cent, and burglary down three per cent – a figure
that bucks the national trend. But crime remains an important issue for
local people. All the latest polls indicate that – apart from the
economy – crime is the issue that worries people the most.
Local people were therefore asked about how best to tackle crime in the
borough, with issues ranging from the main causes of crime, the role of
community groups in reducing it, addressing young people's concerns and
aspirations for the area, the perception of the level of crime in the
borough and how to ensure the police in Greenwich are responsive to the
local community.
Attendees also discussed the measures the Government plans to introduce as
part of Building Britain’s Future, such as the right to vote on how
criminals pay back to the community, how criminal assets are reinvested in
the community, a right for victims to support and obtain information about
the progress of their case from the police and courts and a right to a
monthly beat meeting, where local policing priorities are agreed.
Tessa Jowell, said: “Building Britain's Future is about talking to
local people about the big issues facing the country today. It is about
every part of government becoming more accountable and responsive to
people's needs in the current economic climate.
All the latest polls tell us that - apart from the economy - crime is the
issue that we worry about the most. While Greenwich has seen some
encouraging reductions in crime, with, for example, robbery offences down
17 per cent, there is more that can be done and it is vital that the
community is actively involved.
At yesterday's event, local young people told me what more they think the
Government should do to keep their neighbourhood safe. I will ensure that
these views and ideas are heard by colleagues across central Government.
Leader of Greenwich Council, Chris Roberts, said:
"I am delighted that Greenwich has been selected to host this event for
London. This was a great opportunity to hear young people's views that will
help shape the future of Greenwich and to improve the quality of life for
those who live, work and visit the borough. It was also an opportunity for
us to share with them the employment, educational, cultural and sporting
opportunities being created in our part of London as they make the critical
decisions about which path to take for their own futures."
