To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps she is taking to ensure that police commanders co-operate with local authorities to maintain the effectiveness of local crime and disorder partnerships. (254639)

The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 Act places a statutory duty on the police and local authorities working with others in their local area to tackle local crime and disorder problems that matter to the public.

To further strengthen the delivery of effective partnership working, we will commence provisions for councillor call for action and crime and disorder overview and scrutiny committees in April 2009.