21 November 2006

Byrne backs measure to support parents and strengthen Hodge Hill community

Liam Byrne MP today praised the announcement from the Home Secretary that Birmingham City Council will be offered funding to help parents.

A share of the £4 million boost in Home Office funding will be made available by the government’s Respect Task Force to pay for trained parenting experts who will support parents concerned that their families are showing signs of anti-social behaviour.

Liam, himself a Minister in the Home Office, said:

“This is another example of our government putting its money where its mouth is in tackling the problems we all face. Parenting is a tough job – as a father of three, I know – and I am delighted that this extra help and support can be provided. It will benefit both individual parents and families as well as our community as a whole. Every meeting I do with local residents I hear calls to start with the parents. That's precisely what today’s announcement will do.

The results of a MORI survey also published today found that 53% say that poor parenting is one of the key causes of anti-social behaviour and that 55% say better parenting would do most to reduce crime.

Liam added:

“Parents are the first line of defence against anti-social behaviour. Good parenting can help eradicate the risk to a child’s future and reduce crime problems. This is about people in Hodge Hill being given the opportunity to achieve all they can and live their lives in safe neighbourhoods.”

A recent review of parenting classes by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence found that such programmes can have significant, long-lasting positive effects on children and their behaviour.

The announcement builds on a series of government initiatives in place to support parents. Funding has been provided for the establishment of a National Parenting Academy and for targeting support at those families that need it most. The Youth Inclusion programme is aimed at reducing crime in the country’s most deprived neighbourhoods.