Anti-social Behaviour

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:32 pm on 27 September 2022.

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Photo of Lesley Griffiths Lesley Griffiths Labour 1:32, 27 September 2022

I think Jayne Bryant makes a really important point, and I know, as an MS, our postbags often have a lot of constituents who are very concerned about what maybe you would call 'low-level' anti-social behaviour. Everybody has the right to peace and quiet in their own homes, and you've just raised an important issue around communities also. And I think, of course, our communities are generally a great place to live, aren't they, but anti-social behaviour can make victims' lives a misery. 

I mentioned that enforcement and policing are reserved matters, and, obviously, the Minister for Social Justice works very closely with the Home Office. But, of course, the police are only one part of the problem, and many of the drivers that impact on community safety are devolved, and the Minister and the Government are very determined to do everything in our power to make the people of Wales feel safe. 

I mentioned in my opening answer that we maintained the funding for 500 police community support officers, and we've also increased their number by 100 over this term of Government. But I think the Minister for Social Justice also takes a partnership approach, and it's really important that that effective partnership does help us tackle anti-social behaviour.