Friday 24 April 2009


A new scheme giving communities a greater say in how criminals pay back their debts to society has been welcomed by David Williams, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Crewe and Nantwich.

The plan means that the public can use the internet to choose the sorts of tough physical labour offenders on community sentences should have to do.

This follows the launch of branded high-visibility jackets for offenders on Community Payback in December last year.

Local people in Crewe and Nantwich will be able to vote or make suggestions via the direct.gov website

The scheme receiving the most votes will be undertaken first by offenders carrying out Community Payback, representing a real and distinct choice for the public.

The voting process will be promoted in local newspapers and on local radio and information will be provided on how, across the country, the public can suggest other projects offenders should undertake throughout the year.

These could include renovating community centres, clearing undergrowth and cleaning off graffiti for local communities.

Giving the public a say on Community Payback is the next stage in the Government’s Justice Seen, Justice Done campaign launched earlier this month to address public concerns about crime and justice.

David Williams said:

“This is a very welcome scheme. It is vital that local people have a say in how offenders pay back their debts to society. This will really help the people of Crewe and Nantwich to do that.

“Labour has cut crime by a third since 1997 and has increased prison sentences and toughened up community sentences. This is a further step forward – giving local people a direct say in how the justice system works for them.”

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