Serious Crime Bill [HL]

My Lords, the police have powers to close off areas. As a result of the anti-social behaviour legislation and other Bills that we have put through, we have now got a power that enables the local authority and the police to designate an area for a particular purpose, if they believe thatis necessary. We have to look at whether this power is proportionate or not, because proportionality is something that has featured high. I notice the noble Baroness, Lady Anelay, smiling, if not laughing.