Counselling. Picture posed by models

by Jamie Bullen

Criminals could find themselves being mentored by councillors under radical plans to tackle crime.

Gravesham council’s crime and disorder committee is considering setting up a mentoring programme after consultation with police, probation and the prison service.

The scheme, which will be the first in Kent and possibly England, would see councillors working with repeat offenders by helping them find jobs and homes.

They would also teach them about issues caused by drugs and alcohol.

Experts believe it could help break down some of the barriers people face when they are reintroduced back into society after leaving prison.

Committee chairman Cllr Brian Sangha (Lab) said: “We are the first district council in Kent to suggest this scheme.

“It is about councillors adding value to their local communities."

Cllr Rob Halpin (Lab), who works as a prison officer, said the role of councillors would be tested.

He said: “This is going to be unique. It will see councillors step up to the plate for their voters.”

Proposals will be discussed at this month’s cabinet meeting and any decision will have to be agreed with the Gravesham and Dartford safety partnership.

According to a council document, Kent performs consistently poorly when it comes to re-offending and figures released in February show the rate was higher than predicted.

Figures for Gravesham and Dartford show 505 offenders were on community orders and licences last year, the fourth highest in Kent.

The highest number of cases were in Medway (859) and the lowest in Canterbury (329).

However, the figures did not play a part in the decision to pilot the scheme in Gravesham.

Maurice O’Reilly, Kent Probation’s Director of North Kent, said:“With Gravesham council we are looking at a new type of mentoring scheme.

“The aim of this approach is to enable individuals on probation to secure employment.

“Employment is one of the biggest factors to reduce re-offending.”

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