Push for Reading to be pilot for anti-social behaviour law

The Labour government has announced that it wants to introduce 'Respect Orders' to punish those who repeatedly cause a public nuisance. 

Respect Orders would allow police and councils to ban persistent offenders from town centres, stop street drinking and mandate rehabilitation sessions to address the underlying causes of their behaviour. 

If a person fails to comply with an order they will be guilty of a criminal offence, with police being given the power to immediately arrest offenders.  

The orders would be implemented as part of the government's forthcoming Crime and Policing Bill. 

Ahead of their implementation across the country, the orders will be piloted within local authority areas. 

Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading Central, has called for Reading Borough to be one of these pilot areas. 

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Rodda said: "Every week I meet residents who very sadly have their lives disturbed and sometimes even ruined by appalling crime and anti-social behaviour, and I'm delighted she's bringing forward these clearly well thought through and well-explained measures.

"Would she perhaps consider Reading for one of the pilot schemes in this very important set of measures?"

Dame Diana Johnson, the minister of state for crime and policing replied: "There are many honourable and right honourable members that are pitching to be one of the pilots and I will certainly add Reading to the list."

The exchange took place during a debate on the new Respect Orders on Wednesday, November 27. 

The push for Reading Borough to be included as a pilot area has been backed by Olivia Bailey, the Labour MP for Reading West & Mid Berkshire, who was present for the debate, and Yuan Yang, the Labour MP for Earley and Woodley. 

The Three Reading Labour MPs Olivia Bailey, Matt Rodda and Yuan Yang. ( (Image: Office of Matt Rodda MP)

The government claims the pilot phase will be undertaken to make sure the Respect Orders are 'as effective as possible'.

The Labour Party's objective to crack down on anti-social behaviour was first introduced in Reading when Sir Kier Starmer, the party leader, visited the Dee Caf Community Cafe in Norcot earlier this year. 

During the visit in January, he listened to neighbours who he claimed were 'afraid to leave their homes' due to anti-social behaviour, and promised to “take Reading back from the yobs."

READ MORE: Sir Kier Starmer listens to residents' concerns over anti-social behaviour and crime in visit to Reading

Sir Kier became Prime Minister following the general election in July. 

It is unclear when Respect Orders will legally come into force, as the Crime and Policing Bill has not officially been introduced in parliament yet. 

Dame Johnson, the Labour MP for Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham, said the bill is due to be introduced next year.