LIB DEMS SLAM LABOUR'S SOFT APPROACH ON HARRASSMENT AND INTIMIDATION

11.06.41am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 18th Apr 2006

Brent Liberal Democrats have slammed Labour's decision to include harassment and intimidation and drug dealing as part of the new non-emergency service.

The new "101" number costs 10p per call and was originally intended for residents to report non-emergency issues such as abandoned vehicles and fly tipping in order to free-up the emergency 999 phone lines.

But now the Government has reportedly added issues such as harassment and drug dealing, which the Liberal Democrats argue are critical and should not be deemed 'non-emergency'.

Liberal Democrat Deputy Council Group Leader, Cllr Daniel Brown said:

"Labour likes to talk tough on crime, but in practice they are clueless.

"Harassment and drug dealing are extremely seriously - for many people it is an emergency. It is not right for Labour to send out a message that these are not high-level priorities.

"It seems wrong to make people who are public spirited enough to report these matters pay for the privilege of reporting what are crimes- This could make people think twice before reporting these important matters and lead to reduced levels of reporting .

"Brent Labour should be shame-faced by their Government's complete lack of understanding of how these issues blight our local communities."

Nick Clegg MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, added:

"Charging for using this number may make the Government a quick buck in the short-term, but in the fight against anti-social behaviour it could cost us dearly.

"Labour has failed to deliver solutions to the anti-social behaviour which affects our local communities. In contrast up and down the country Liberal Democrat run-councils, such as Southwark and Islington, are offering practical measures to tackle anti-social behaviour.

"Our record on implementing tough solutions such as acceptable behaviour contracts and community justice panels is second-to-none."