To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what process will be followed if a councillor does not respond to a Community Call for Action under the provisions outlined in the Police and Justice Act 2006. (83029)

The Community Call for Action will enable local communities to trigger action by the police or other local agencies where they have failed to tackle persistent local crime or antisocial behaviour problems. Under clause 18(3) of the Police and Justice Bill, ward councillors will be under a duty to respond to a call for action. We expect most problems referred to a councillor to be resolved informally through discussion with the relevant local agency with only the most difficult problems being referred to the local authority overview and scrutiny committee. Where a councillor decides not to refer a matter to the overview and scrutiny committee, clause 18(4) provides that the person raising the problem may refer it to the local authority executive for consideration. The council executive will have the same rights as the councillor to liaise with the relevant agencies and to refer difficult issues to the overview and scrutiny committee for resolution.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a (a) district council and (b) county council scrutiny committee will consider a Community Call for Action in a two-tier local government area. (94669)

Under the provisions of clause 19 of the Police and Justice Bill (as amended on Lords Report) district council overview and scrutiny committees will be responsible for considering Community Calls for Action in two-tier areas.