Keep Up the Good Work, say Lib Dems

2.59.47pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 1st Sep 2008

Cllr Jean Fooks, shadow cabinet member for Children & Young People, welcomed the excellent news that young people in Oxfordshire are committing fewer crimes than in previous years and compared to other places around the country. She called for this work - which is at threat of funding cuts - to continue and for the Tory County Cabinet to commit to continued funding.

The figures, published during August, showed a massive 19% reduction in the number of young people committing a first offence and reoffending rates are at 33% less than the national average. Jean describes these as "very impressive results indeed for the County Council's Youth Offending Service".

Jean said, "Much of this achievement is due to the Diversion Scheme, first introduced in 2004, preventing young people from entering the youth justice system. Young people at risk of offending are identified and given the opportunity to participate in a range of educational activities, from babysitting to fire service work and Anger Management courses.

"The total cost of this scheme is only £140,000 per year - yet the Tory administration at County Hall is baulking at ensuring its continuation! The scheme has been funded through short-term temporary monies, which come to an end in March 2009.

"When asked at the July Cabinet meeting if funds would be found for this essential work, Keith Mitchell responded by asking from where the money might come and would give no assurances that it would be found.

"Helping our young people keep out of trouble and reducing crime has to be a priority. Nationally Liberal Democrats are committed to reducing crime by extending prevention work; locally we are asking the Tories to provide permanent funding for the Diversion Scheme in the 2009/10 budget.

"At about 60p per household per year, it is an extraordinarily good investment."