Innovation Exchange

“Tough on crime, tough on the causes of crime” (Tony Blair, 2004).

The Prime Minister’s words still resonate today. Unless we tackle the causes as well as the consequences of crime, we will not grasp the root of the problem. The answer has to lie in action centred on communities and those at risk.

More police, tougher sentences, younger prisoners - demonising and antagonising young people won’t work. Offering them opportunities that provide an alternative to a life of crime will.
In 2005, more than half of all gun crime (54%) occurred in London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands. In 2005/06, just fewer than 11,000 firearms offences were recorded by police - virtually the same as the previous year. However, the level remains well above that at the start of the millennium, and have continued to rise, albeit at a much-reduced rate. Homicides involving firearms were 40% down on the 2004/5 figure at 46.
Last week, the Home Secretary announced £500,000 worth of extra money to the Connecting Fund, a Government established body which supports anti-gun schemes by community groups. A glance at previously funded projects reflects the high level of need in London. If this money is to have an impact and reduce firearms offences and fatalities, it must be directed to the areas of most need and groups with the strongest links to those communities.
Acevo’s proposal for a third sector action zone is rooted in the principle of preventing crime – addressing the causes – rather than just the consequences. Our contention is that national organisations, such as Barnado’s, Rainer and the Children’s Society, can offer their expertise to local community groups to help devise tailored solutions, activities and outlets to prevent young people falling into crime. If successful in South London, this model could be rolled in other problem areas, such as Nottingham and Manchester.

The zone would work with the cooperation of three boroughs: Lambeth, Southwark and Wandsworth. A commission comprising members of their local and health authorities, third sector representatives, and community leaders would shape a programme of work, encouraging forums and places where young people can share their fears and frustrations, and hopes for the future.

Funding would need to be for an appropriate timescale: we are arguing for five years’ worth, at £4 million in total. This would need to be guaranteed: too often third sector groups in South London have had promised funds pulled, or terms of reference changed to deny them of any impact. Pecan, operating in Peckham, provides skills and employment training for young adults who have been out of work for a long time. In the words of their Managing Director, Kevin Belcher, funding has been “an absolute nightmare.” Three years ago, 75% of Pecan’s funding came from job Centre Plus contracts – now they have no income from this source.

Community groups such as Pecan are best placed to address the societal problems surrounding gun crime – unemployment, lack of opportunities, skills, diversion. Third sector groups have a strong track record at helping isolated, marginalised and disaffected individuals. Local volunteers are seen as safe, less threatening and more knowledgeable than ‘authority’ figures from councils, social workers, or the police.

Gun crime will not be solved overnight. Glorification of guns and crime in youth culture- black and white, rich and poor- needs to stop. By helping young people to talk about their fears, to dissuade them from carrying and seeking guns, and to turn them on to other activities – only then will we start to see a shift.

Or in the words of Kola Williams, a youth worker from Harlesden: “It’s no good sticking a triangle over a square and expecting a fit. Listen to young people, understand where they’re coming from, and show them some respect. They’ve been talked at for far too long.”