Sue's Soapbox

A chance to reflect on some of the issues we are facing today

Victims of Crime need more support

Fear of Crime has never been higher despite record numbers of people being packed off to jail Only too often after a crime is committed the offender is packed off to prison only to come out and reoffend while the victim is left feeling a mixture of fear, anger and resentment. Our prison population is growing at an unacceptable rate and in this country we seem to think that it is enough to just lock people up to keep them out of the way for a short time. Meanwhile victims continue to suffer from stress and anxiety.

But an alternative approach, Restorative Justice could help do much more to reduce crime, and to help the victims of crime move forward. Restorative justice, which brings together victim and offender with the support of a mediator is certainly far from being a soft option for criminals. Prison insulates criminals from the impact of their crimes, but facing up to what they have done can be much harder. The process gives offenders chance to tell their story and why the crime occurred. They can also have the chance to make things right, by financial compensation and community work and of course a letter of apology.

Many young criminals will have first been a victim of crime themselves and this approach works well them them. They want to know that their voice is being heard and that they are suffering from crime. If we can help them at the right time it may help give them confidence in the justice system rather than an excuse to reject it.

The use of restorative justice substantially reduces reoffending and the need for so many people in prison.

Lets keep our prison for the real no hopers, and in the case of the worst, such as Ian Huntley, life must mean life, but no change is not an option.

We Need a Fairer Council Tax

Councils are funded through central government grant, business rates and council taxes.

My postbag lately has contained a number of letters from people who know that they cannot afford the rise in council tax this year. On a fixed income it is not fair that you pay council tax based on a property you live in rather than your ability to pay.

The Lib Dems want to change to a local income tax system which would be much fairer for everyone. Councils would additionally benefit from cost saving as tax would be collected by the Inland Revenue.

Visit the Liberal Democrats 'Axe the Tax' campaign website.