Local Authorities (Contracting out of Anti-social Behaviour Order Functions) (England) Order 2007

I, too, thank the Minister for leading on this order. Before I start, I shall scotch the wicked rumour that the Liberal Democrats do not support ASBOs. We support ASBOs, but we think that there are better alternatives, such as acceptable behaviour contracts, which would be a better way forward. Nevertheless, I have always expressed concerns about training, accountability and monitoring in relation to ASBOs. Those concerns have been raised by these Benches, especially in relation to Part 3 of the Police and Justice Bill, which dealt with a similar idea—the contracting out of parenting orders and parenting contracts. My questions are on the training and accountability of those who undertake what will be an important role. While I accept that those who will go to court will have training and responsibility—the noble Baroness, Lady Hanham, suggested that their training would be adequate—I am concerned about the hands-on issuing of ASBOs. I would like to be reassured about the training of people who do it. Where will that accountability fall? How will it be monitored? The Minister said that it would be continuously monitored, but how will that take place? What are the practicalities? With the assurance that we support this order, I simply ask the Minister to help me on those issues.