Labour Candidate welcomes new initiative on knife crime

 

Castle Point's Labour Candidate welcomed the latest initiative on knife crime announced recently (5 June) by the Home Secretary and the Justice Secretary.

This initiative included the promise that anyone over the age of 16 caught in possession of a knife can expect to be prosecuted on the first offence. Those under 16 can still expect to receive a caution coupled with referral to a knife education scheme to help them understand the dangers and consequences of carrying knives.

Julian Ware-Lane said "everyone, especially parents, must be concerned about the worrying trend in recent months for more knife offences. This zero tolerance approach will signal a 'get tough' stance that I feel will meet with general approval".

"Evidence suggests that most carry knives for protection. Evidence also suggests that you are more likely to be a victim of knife crime if you are carrying one" added Julian.

"I applaud the £5 million of direct support being given by my Government, and am pleased that Essex is one of the forces to receive additional funding."

New measures announced included ensuring Youth Offending Teams look at how they can work more closely with Primary Care Trusts and Hospital Trusts to explore a new element to Youth Referral Orders, all schools who want help to tackle persistent knife crime should get it from their local police force, and Courts and Youth Offending Teams will be encouraged to make full use of the powers available to them.

Parents must be part of the solution. Where under 16s are cautioned for a first offence, parents must be warned that for a second offence there will be an expectation of prosecution, and they may be liable to a parenting order.

The Government's approach over the last decade has seen a tougher stance with those people prosecuted for carrying a knife now almost three times as likely to go to prison as ten years ago. The average sentence has increased by almost a third.

The new measures complement the wide range of actions recently introduced, which include the increase use of stop and search and an advertising campaign.

 

Labour Candidate visits the Citizens Advice Bureau

 

Parliamentary candidate, Julian Ware-Lane, was invited recently to visit the Citizens Advice Bureau in Long Road, Canvey Island.

Julian was shown around by the Castle Point CAB Manager, Christine Neville.

"The CAB deals with all sorts of people, often vulnerable and in crisis" said Julian. "They deal with a wide range of issues, and most of us at some point will have some dealings with them. I cannot overstate how important I believe their role is within our community."

"I was impressed with the facilities and by the dedication of Christine's team" added Julian.

"There is no such thing as a typical client" said Christine, "you don't know who is going to come through the door."

The Citizens Advice Bureau is a charity, and although a significant chunk of their funding comes from both Castle Point Borough Council and Essex County Council, about a third is raised by grants and fundraising.  There is some full time staff, but most are volunteers. The service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems.

Christine Neville is ambitious for the Long Road offices: "we are aiming to expand our service, including an enhanced telephone answering facility. I am looking to raise £6000 to enable this."

The CAB indirectly brings money into the community by identifying benefits which are then spent locally. There are significant amounts of benefits that are unclaimed, and the CAB can assist people in claiming their entitlements.

The CAB is located at 168 Long Road, Canvey Island. Those who wish to donate, volunteer, or seek help should contact them there; they are open on Tuesdays and Thursdays.