SSP Research, Policy & Media Unit
Press Release: 11/09/03

Today the Scottish Executive announced its funding priorities under the partnership agreement and yet again rather than tackling poverty the root cause of crime they go for the quick fix of demonising the young.
Frances Curran said:
“Mr Kerr has indicated the Executive is allocating £65 million to reducing crime and combating anti-social behaviour. A key target in the budget is to reduce persistent young offenders by 10% by 2006 i.e. from 785 to 707 a reduction of 78. This is at the cost of £833,000 per offender.
"Rather than spending money on improving facilities for young people the Executive is continuing to stigmatise them and waste money on draconian measures which do nothing to provide a rich and rewarding life for our young.”