Read the Guardian’s review about the Panorama programme which was aired last night.
Let me know what you think of the views given (including mine).
Category: Media
PRESS RELEASE: Commissioner Baird celebrates Living Wage Week.
![\"Commissioner](\"https://verabaird.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Living-Wage-2-3-300x199.jpg\")
Commissioner joins the celebrations for Living Wage week
Northumbria Police is joining in with the Living Wage celebrations this week after almost a year as an official Living Wage employer.
Living Wage week, which this year runs from November 2 to 8, will again celebrate Living Wage employers and the employees who benefit.
The Living Wage is different to the minimum wage and is based on the amount someone needs to earn to cover the basic cost of living.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird said: \”I\’m delighted the force is now able to join the celebrations of this unique club which has widespread political and business support.
\”As the force celebrates being an official Living Wage employer for nearly a year, I\’ve been able to see first hand the difference implementing this policy has made.”
There are now around 750 employers accredited by the Living Wage Foundation, committing them to pay the Living Wage to employed and subcontracted staff and the Commissioner added: \”I\’m delighted Northumbria Police is an official Living Wage employer.\”
When the cleaners, who in the past were sub-contacted to Northumbria Police, were brought in house they received an extra £1.15 an hour – for an average contract of 20 hours a week.
\”This is an extra £100 a month in the pay packet and shows how we value all our employees and the work they do and that everyone is part of \’Team Northumbria\’,\” Vera Baird said.
She added: \”I\’ve always been an advocate of the Living Wage and as we’re in Living Wage Week, it’s now a good time to encourage other employers to come on board.
\”In the current economic climate we must do everything we can to help those on the minimum wage. If you value people, you have to show it and I believe that giving a decent wage is important.
\”Currently 5.2 million people in the UK are paid less than the Living Wage with women and young people disproportionately affected.
\”Living Wage week is an ideal time for other businesses to sign up – it\’s morally right and makes good business sense too.
\”I\’m confident this time next year even more north east businesses will be accredited as Living Wage employers.\”
The photograph shows Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird with one of the force cleaners Derek Bellis at Forth Banks.
Human Rights Act – My view
The Human Rights Act is badly needed – and we have ample proof.
Read my article about Human Rights in the Journal
Stormont decision welcomed by Northumbria Commissioner
Northumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird has welcomed the decision of Stormont assembly members to start the legislative process to ban paying for sex.In the UK, selling or buying sex is not currently illegal.
However, it is illegal to buy sex from someone who is controlled for another person’s gain; other illegal activities including loitering and soliciting for prostitution; kerb crawling; keeping a brothel and placing an advert for prostitution within the vicinity of a public telephone box.
Northern Ireland has now started the process that paying for sex becomes illegal.
Discussions went on until late into the night and the Bill is aimed at amending Northern Ireland’s laws on trafficking and prostitution.
Currently, when it comes to prosecution it is the prostitute who is more likely to be prosecuted rather than the person paying for sex.
Government figures for 2002 show there were 2,678 convictions for soliciting in comparison to only 993 convictions for kerb crawling.
Vera Baird said: “I congratulate the members of Stormont Assembly for leading the way in further ensuring the protection and safety of women.
“By following the Nordic model, consumers rather than workers in the sex trade are targeted.
“Many of these women often have very troubled backgrounds and research shows that up to 70% of those in street prostitution have a history of local authority care and up to 75% have been physically assaulted at the hands of pimps and punters.
“The introduction of this Bill will ensure these women are safer.”
The clause was passed, during the Bill’s consideration stage, by 81 to 10 votes. It still has to go through the legislative process but, as such a large number of members supported the Bill, it is likely to become law.
Mrs Baird said: “Stormont has spoken loud and clear on members’ wishes to further protect women and I welcome the strong commitment from across the assembly to support the legislation. We must follow suit in the rest of the UK as quickly as possible.”
There was opposition to the Bill from a minority of members, including Stormont’s Justice Minister David Ford who saw no evidence to prove that this legislation would reduce the incidence of trafficking.
Mrs Baird said: “One of the most common forms of trafficking and slavery is using women for prostitution, enticing them when they are at their lowest ebb with promises of money and security. Yet prostitution puts the women in a very dangerous position.
“In 2006, it was found that people are much less likely to be convicted of murdering a prostitute than any other kind of murder. The murder conviction rate stands at 75% but drops to 26% when it comes to the killings of women in prostitution.”
She added: “We all have a duty to support these women to ensure they can enjoy a life away from fear and intimidation.”
PRESS RELEASE: Commissioner demands Government takes urgent action.
Commissioner demands Government takes urgent action
New Government powers to tackle anti-social behaviour must be supported with extra funding, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird has said.
The Government has introduced five new powers which have come in to effect today, which the Government believe will enable the police, local authorities and others to respond quickly and effectively to anti-social behaviour (ASB) as part of the Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), Crime and Policing Act 2014.
Northumbria Police has worked closely with partners to ensure the smooth implementation of the powers and the Commissioner’s office has consulted on the community remedy list with the public in Northumbria who clearly favour the following two options:
Educational or rehabilitative activities 20% of respondents
Unpaid work within the community 21% of respondents
For these options to be effective, they need funding. The Government cannot rely on the police and Local Authorities to pick up this cost.
Since 2010, the Northumbria Police budget has been cut by nearly £70m and local authorities have faced similar pressures. Local authority ASB leads have said they are concerned about the cost implications brought by Community Remedy with no additional funding provided for the options to provide structured activities or activities which put something back into the community.
The Commissioner Vera Baird said: \”Like everything this Government does, changes are rushed through and no extra funding provided to ensure the transition is successful.
\”Most of the remedies need resources to ensure their success and the Government should be funding this initiative as it’s important local residents and police officers have confidence in the system they’re working with.\”
The Commissioner has called on the Justice Secretary to convene an urgent meeting with colleagues in Parliament to secure the extra funding needed to pay for this initiative.
\”Northumbria Police continue to tackle ASB head-on – but if the Government wants this new scheme to work, they need to fund it,\” Mrs Baird added.
New ASB powers need funding from Government.
Correspondence sent by Commissioner Baird to Chris Grayling MP in relation to the new Anti-Social Behaviour Powers
20th October 2014
Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP
Secretary of State
Ministry of Justice
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ
20th October 2014
Dear Secretary of State,
Anti-Social Behaviour Powers
As today sees the launch of the Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, I am taking this opportunity to raise concerns that I have in relation to this matter.
The Government has introduced five new powers which have come in to effect today, which the Government believe will enable the police, local authorities and others to respond quickly and effectively to ASB.
Northumbria Police has worked closely with partners to ensure the smooth implementation of the powers and my office has consulted on the community remedy list with the public in Northumbria clearly favouring the following two options:
Educational or rehabilitative activities 20%
Unpaid work within the community 21%
Local authorities across Northumbria welcome any initiative to tackle anti-social behaviour, but they do have concerns about how the public’s two most popular remedies will be delivered as no extra funding has been made available from Government.
The Government must take ownership of this problem as the public are being invited to take part in this programme, but funding is not available to support these initiatives.
The Police and local government budgets are stretched to capacity, as you will be aware central Government has taken nearly £70 million from the Northumbria Police budget alone and there is literally no extra funding available.
If the government want this programme to be a success, you must ensure that there is funding to support the work of local authorities and the police.
I call upon you to hold urgent meetings with your colleagues to resolve this matter and we can then move forward and deliver a programme that all partners are able to do with confidence and which results in public satisfaction and a reduction in ASB.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best wishes.
Vera Baird QC
Police & Crime Commissioner – Northumbria.
Is this Government Serious about protecting victims?
Is this Government serious about protecting victims? – Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird
This week Justice Secretary Chris Grayling MP provided the House of Commons with further information about the Government\’s document \’Our Commitment to Victims\’.
In a Written Ministerial Statement Mr Grayling believes the proposed laws will see victims kept informed about their case and courts will allow most to provide a personal impact statement.
Vera Baird said: \”What the Justice Secretary has announced is a few add ons to the Victims\’ Code – but nothing of real substance.
\”A lot of what is mentioned in the Written Ministerial Statement is already happening, an example being that victim impact statements will become law, however they have already proved their worth without legislation. We saw the benefits of impact statements in the Rolf Harris case. These statements allow the courts to know how victims have been affected by a crime and for the perpetrator to hear how their actions can ruin lives.\”
Mrs Baird added: \”Let’s be absolutely clear, Chris Grayling is the Secretary of State who has cut compensation to victims to the bone and scrapped legal aid for victims of sexual and domestic abuse.
\”It\’s a shocking indictment of this Government’s policies for victims that two-thirds of domestic violence victims have been left with no legal aid to safeguard families against violent partners. This is a Government that tells us they take seriously the need to address domestic violence – then they remove the very support that is needed.\”
The Government has published updates and provided further information, but they have avoided the question about why they implemented cuts to the Criminal Justice Compensation Board.
\”Let us be under no illusion, as Shadow Justice Secretary Sadiq Khan recently said, the Government has let victims down by cutting compensation for innocent victims of violent crime and leaving the position of Victims’ Commissioner vacant for almost a year, before making the role part time,\” the Commissioner said.
\”Downing Street does not speak up for victims of crime. David Cameron wanted to reduce prison sentences by half if criminals entered a guilty plea, they have closed refuges and cut resources for Victim Support.
\”The Labour Party continues to work with organisations that support victims to ensure the right support, at the right time, is in place. The next Labour Government will implement a strategy that keeps victims at the heart of all decisions which is the right way forward – not add ons and bolt ons to existing legislation as the current Government is doing.\”
Putting victims first is a commitment Vera Baird has given in her Police and Crime Plan for residents of Northumbria and from April 2015 responsibility for some victims\’ services will fall to Police and Crime Commissioners.
Vera Baird has consulted on an outline strategy and is mapping the need for services. Through working with local authorities and other responsible partners she will devise a final joint strategy ensuring local services for victims are the best that can be jointly provided.
\”Victims will always be at the centre of the criminal justice system in our region,\” she said.
Action Needed To Tackle True Cost Of Alcohol.
As alcohol-related NHS admissions hit almost 10 million in England, Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird has again called for action to be taken in stemming the consumption of alcohol.
Already this year Mrs Baird, together with fellow north east Police and Crime Commissioners Ron Hogg from Durham and Cleveland’s Barry Coppinger, have written of their concerns over the direct link between cheap alcohol and crime and disorder.
The three Commissioners had called on the Government to introduce minimum pricing. Research had shown that by doing this, alcohol related crimes would reduce by thousands each year leading to an improvement in public safety and confidence as well as reducing the health impact of excessive alcohol consumption.
Almost half of violent crimes are linked to alcohol and a survey of north east frontline police officers showed how nearly all questioned could not remember the last time they had been called to a domestic abuse incident where alcohol wasn’t involved.
Today Alcohol Concern has updated its Alcohol Harm Map which shows that six out of every ten alcohol-related hospital visits were A&E admissions as well as almost two-thirds of the cost of inpatient admissions.
The cost of inpatient admissions partly attributable to alcohol was said to be £1.3bn.
“This growing reliance on alcohol is proving both costly to people’s health as well as the financial costs of health care providers,” the Commissioner said.
“Add to this the cost alcohol consumption has on crime and disorder, not just in monetary terms for people and businesses but in its affect on the confidence of our communities, and we are looking at a worrying situation,“ Mrs Baird added.
The Commissioner has also worked extensively in protecting people who become vulnerable while out in the region’s thriving night time economy and has introduced a raft of measures to help keep people safe.
“I’ve introduced vulnerability training locally for door staff, which now happens nationally, and know through the feedback we’ve had that this is making a real difference.
“This training is also being given to others working in the night time economy as well as partner agencies like local authorities, so now we have many more eyes and ears looking out for those who become vulnerable and need help to get home safely or be reunited with their friends and family.”
Mrs Baird added: “The costs we are now seeing to various public services points to a very real need for actions to be taken to help people and alleviate the strain being placed on an already over-stretched public purse.”
“Loose Women” TV Programme debate – Judy Finnigan
The comments of broadcaster Judy Finnigan in her debut on the TV programme ‘Loose Women’ in relation to a high profile rape case involving a footballer have been criticised by Vera Baird.
The former Richard and Judy star was commenting on the case of footballer Ched Evans who was jailed for five years in 2012 for raping a 19-year-old woman.
The player is preparing to be released from prison and the broadcaster was discussing if he should be allowed to rejoin his club.
Ms Finnigan said he had served his time, the rape was not violent and his victim had had far too much to drink.
The Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, a lifelong campaigner against violence against women and girls, said: “He raped her – that is a serious injury and undermines some people for life.
“Ms Finnigan seems to have already forgotten the testimony of the teenage victims of Rolf Harris and others who have said in detail in their victim impact statements how their lives had been ruined.
“No bodily injury has little relevance, it doesn’t have to do physical damage to be rape and it is the essence of violence to force himself upon her.”
The Commissioner said she had no view about whether they should take Evans back into football, but added: “He has to work somewhere but it probably shouldn’t be in such a public role since it looks like he’s being given a platform for approval.”
She also questioned what being drunk had to do with anything, saying: “What has this got to do with this if he forced himself upon her.
“If you get drunk and someone steals your wallet does this mean it’s any less of a theft than if you were sober.”
Judy Finnigan’s comments on the popular ITV show were publicly condemned by many who took to social media to voice their opinion.
Britain Needs A Pay Rise – TUC Campaign
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird is encouraging people to support the TUC as it urges ‘Britain needs a pay rise’.
This Saturday, 18 October, a march supporting the living wage takes place in London with other demonstrations also happening across the country.
Vera Baird said: “I’m supporting the TUC’s principal of the demonstration which is quite simple – that as growth returns to the UK economy, everyone should get a fairer share in this recovery.
“People are currently facing the biggest squeeze on their incomes since Victorian times and wages have fallen in real terms every year since 2010.
“I’m delighted that within my office and Northumbria Police we’ve already embraced many of the principles of this campaign.
“The TUC is campaigning for a commitment to the living wage and we can give a resounding tick to that, as every employee in Northumbria Police is now paid at least the living wage.”
Mrs Baird said the cleaning contract was recently brought back ‘in house’, allowing the cleaners’ salaries to be increased from the minimum wage to the living wage.
She said contracts issued by Northumbria Police or her office had a clause built in that the staff working on the scheme on our behalf must be paid the living wage.
“There are no ifs or buts, it’s a requirement we insist on to ensure those working within the supply chain of Northumbria Police at least get the living wage,” the Commissioner said.
“This increase shows how we value all our staff and it also helps the local economy as moving from the minimum wage to the living wage will give staff more disposable income.
“We all have a duty to support our employees and if a business can afford to pay a higher wage than the minimum wage, they should consider doing so.
“I’m not looking at this through rose tinted glasses and fully appreciate that some businesses would struggle to pay higher salaries, but many wouldn’t and it is those businesses which can make a difference to their employees that have a duty to do so.”
The minimum wage was introduced by Tony Blair through the National Minimum Wage Act in 1998 and has helped at least 1.5 million people.
Since October 2013, the Government has published the names of employers who did not pay the minimum wage and the TUC has called on the Government to publicly name and shame those companies more widely. Additionally there are calls for HMRC to have more resources to help them identify more companies who are not paying the minimum wage.
The Commissioner said: “This Saturday will send a clear message to the Government and employers about the differences implementing a living wage can have – while ensuring all meet the minimum wage.
“Here at Northumbria we are leading the way, as are many companies in the north east, and we now need to ensure that all businesses pay the legal requirement of the minimum wage and where possible increase the payment to the living wage and I hope others will join with their support for the living wage.
“If you haven’t already done so please pledge your support to the ‘Britain needs a pay rise’ march, a simple Tweet can show your support #18oct”
![\"Commissioner](\"https://verabaird.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Living-Wage-2-3.jpg\")