Chair of the Local Government Association’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, Cllr Simon Blackburn, responds to the launch of the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy.
“Councils play a key role in tackling organised crime such as serious violence and modern slavery, and protecting children and vulnerable adults from exploitation.
“It is good that the Government acknowledges this in the strategy, but what we really need to see is long-term investment in local services, so we can identify signs of exploitation and intervene at an early stage. This isn’t just about law enforcement, but communities too.
“Only with the right funding and powers can councils continue to make a difference to people’s lives, by supporting families and young people, and helping to tackle serious violent crime in our local communities.”