Scottish Parliament e-Brief, Issue 302

Antisocial behaviour roadshow hailed a success
First Minister, Jack McConnell, has described the Scottish Executive roadshow which publicised the powers and resources available to tackle antisocial behaviour as "extremely successful". More than 6,500 people visited the roadshow as it toured the country for three weeks in July. As a result, over 800 people have had specific cases of ASB referred to the relevant local agencies for consideration and action.

In Greenock, 500 people visited the roadshow and 70 cases were referred on.

The roadshow toured 15 local authorities to publicise what local agencies can do for local people. Scottish Ministers from a number of portfolios supported the tour during the three weeks. The main focal point of the roadshow was a truck where specialist staff, supported by state-of-the-art technology, were able to answer queries from members of the public.

Ministers believe that members of the public need clear information about the new powers available and they are encouraging individuals and communities to report problems for action.

Speaking as he visited Greenock - where the roadshow began its tour - to discuss action on antisocial behaviour with those most affected, the First Minister said:

"Antisocial behaviour brings misery to the lives of the law-abiding majority. We need to reintroduce respect back into communities.

"This roadshow has helped our Scottish government make clear it is on the side of decent, hard-working families who want to stop antisocial behaviour blighting their community.

"We have created the new powers and delivered extra money to tackle the problem.

"Now I hope everyone who visited it has come away knowing that the resources and powers are here to help them. I know more than 800 people have already taken the next step and sought the assistance of local agencies. I hope many more will follow their example.

"The success of this campaign was due in no small part to the visible presence at the roadshow of police, local authorities and other agencies. I expect them to stand ready and be determined to help.

"And I believe that the the roadshow has sent out a strong message to those responsible for antisocial behaviour. We will not tolerate the type of selfish thuggery that ruins lives any longer."

In addition to generating local publicity, the roadshow provided an opportunity for members of the public to talk to frontline staff from local authorities, the police and other agencies about ASB. A total of 6,581 people were spoken to by staff at the roadshow locations - with at least 859 referrals to local agencies.

Healthy meals are happy meals
New research shows that serving locally produced food in primary schools has increased school meal take-up, raised the quality of ingredients and provided a market for food producers.

A pilot in East Ayrshire to increase the amount of food bought from local suppliers has benefited children, schools and food producers - with children now wanting even more fresh fruit and vegetables in their school dinners.

The research, conducted for the Scottish Executive, shows that the pilot food procurement scheme in East Ayrshire led to:

During the pilot, the average daily number of pupils taking meals in the eleven primary schools increased from 1399 in 2004 to 1423 in 2005 - up from 50.3% of pupils to 52.7%. The uptake of free meals as a percentage of those entitled increased from 68% in the August - December 2004 term to 74% in the same period in 2005.

It is estimated that the market for public sector food procurement in Scotland is worth around Ł85 million. The majority of the money is spent in schools, hospitals and prisons.