Making Community Payback Count

Local MP Backs More Community Involvement

A new scheme giving communities a greater say in how criminals pay back their debts to society has today been welcomed by Adrian Bailey MP.

The plan means that the public can use the internet to choose the sorts of tough physical labour offenders on community sentences should have to do. This follows the launch of branded high-visibility jackets for offenders on Community Payback in December last year. Local people in Sandwell will be able to vote or make suggestions via the direct.gov website, www.direct.gov/CommunityPayback.

The scheme receiving the most votes will be undertaken first by offenders carrying out Community Payback and will represent a real and distinct choice for the public.

The voting process will be promoted in local newspapers and on local radio and information will be provided on how, across the country, the public can suggest other projects offenders should undertake throughout the year. These could include renovating community centres, clearing undergrowth and cleaning off graffiti for local communities.

Giving the public a say on Community Payback is the next stage in the Government’s ‘Justice Seen, Justice Done’ campaign launched earlier this month to address public concerns about crime and justice.

Adrian said:

“This is a very welcome scheme. It is vital that local people have a say in how offenders pay back their debts to society. This scheme will  help the people of Sandwell achieve that.

“Labour has cut crime by a third since 1997 and has increased prison sentences and toughened up community sentences. This is a further step forward – giving the people of Sandwell and West Bromwich West a direct say in how the justice system works for them.”

Notes to Editor

• Branded high-visibility orange jackets were launched in December last year for offenders to wear whilst carrying out work on Community Payback.

• The roll-out of the new jackets across England and Wales built on a recommendation from Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Adviser Louise Casey’s review, 'Engaging Communities in Fighting Crime', published in June last year outlining the importance of justice seen, justice done.

• Courts are now able to hand out tougher and more intense penalties for a range of offenders who are ordered to carry out work in the community.