Antisocial behaviour: Safeguards set up to protect young

Last week the Home Office introduced the police and justice bill, which contains the legislation needed to put the Community Call to Action in place. The idea was introduced in the Respect Action Plan, which was published last month, and is designed to allow communities to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Hazel Blears, Home Office minister responsible for the respect agenda, said the power would not be used against innocent groups of young people who are seen to be a nuisance: "Antisocial behaviour isn't just about young people."

If a community makes a complaint it will be passed to the relevant local councillor, who will pass it on to the local authority. Blears said this process would ensure the complaint was valid. The authority will then try to resolve the issue by working with partners in the area, such as the youth service.