Making Community Payback count in Hull

A new scheme giving communities a greater say in how criminals pay back their debts to society has been welcomed by Hull North MP Diana Johnson.

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.

Hull is one of 54 Neighbourhood Crime and Justice Pioneer Areas across the country where local people will be able to vote or make suggestions via the direct.gov website.

People in Hull should go to http://communitypayback.direct.gov.uk/humberside/kingston-upon-hull/ to choose what local scheme offenders should be sent to work on first.

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.

Diana Johnson MP said: "It is vital that local people have a say in how offenders pay back their debts to society and can see for themselves that justice is being done. This scheme will help the people of Hull 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 the people of Hull a direct say in how the justice system works for them."