PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
CRIME AND SOCIAL PRESSURES IN WEST CUMBRIA (18 November 1994)

That this House expresses its most profound concern over developments in West Cumbria and the Workington constituency; recognises the valiant and determined attempt by many families to weather the depths of the recession at great personal sacrifice, with their pride intact; notes that in many areas crime is undermining community life, with the elderly, infirm and other vulnerable groups, often living in fear of burglary, harassment and in some cases, violence; knows that crime, for many constituents, is their greatest concern and that people are crying out in desperation for greater support and protection in the agonizing correspondence the honourable Member for Workington receives daily; believes that the police simply cannot cope and that many crimes go unreported or unrecorded; believes that there is an overwhelming feeling in the constituency amongst people of all political persuasions of Government becoming insensitive and brutal in implementing policy; believes that Government attacks on benefits, through carefully crafted regulatory changes, undermine family support arrangements; believes that the housing benefit system, perhaps more than any other measure, whilst subsidising grossly inflated rents in low wage conditions, is undermining work incentives and fostering a culture of hopelessness; is appalled by the indifference of Government to the lack of facilities available for young people including youth clubs and other venues where they can congregate; believes that a properly funded youth service with adequate facilities, attractive to young people, is critically important in their development as useful members of society; and believes that ignoring such a need invites antisocial activity.

Sponsored by:
Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour)