MP Gareth Snell backs major youth justice overhaul to keep streets safe in Stoke-on-Trent

MP Gareth Snell backs major youth justice overhaul to keep streets safe in Stoke-on-Trent

Labour and Co-operative MP Gareth Snell has welcomed a major overhaul of the youth justice system designed to intervene earlier, cut reoffending and keep Stoke-on-Trent safe.

These reforms are part of Labour’s mission to cut crime, halve knife crime over a decade, and deliver safer streets.

The new Youth Justice White Paper sets out a comprehensive package of reforms to stop more young people falling into crime and break the cycle of offending.

The reforms come as figures show eight in ten prolific offenders first committed a crime as a child, highlighting the urgent need for earlier and more effective intervention.

Under the plans, more children at risk of offending will receive targeted support earlier through expanded prevention programmes, helping steer them away from crime before it escalates.

New Youth Intervention Courts will be piloted to tackle repeat offending, bringing together judges, youth justice services and specialist support to address the root causes of crime and keep young people on track.

An extra £15.4 million per year will be invested in the Government’s flagship Turnaround programme to help 12,000 children at risk of entering the youth justice system, over the next three years.

Gareth said: “When young people are drawn into crime, the impact is devastating for victims, for communities and for their own futures.

“I welcome this action to improve safety in Stoke‑on‑Trent and to help more young people get the support they need to build better lives.”