This week I had the pleasure to attend an event in Crawley which talked about community payback, a scheme which directs offenders to repay the community for their wrongdoing. I have seen for myself the excellent work that has been done as a result of this scheme. It was so nice to see the scheme being recognised.

There was a time when community service was something that people constantly managed to get out of doing. Now under the name community payback the rules are much more tough with a strict no more than two no shows policy. This means that offenders simply cannot avoid making amends for what they have done.

Last year offenders completed 350,000 hours of community payback in Surrey and Sussex alone.

 Projects can include: removing graffiti, picking up litter, repairing and decorating community centres, clearing undergrowth from paths and other public areas, working on environmental projects and so on.
The fact that these offenders are required to wear bright orange jackets with the words “community payback” is a good way of reassuring the public.
I know many people who have been extremely impressed with the work done by community payback and now use the scheme regularly.

The principle behind Community Payback is that the projects carried out should be visible, led by the community and delivered where possible in partnership with other organisations working to improve people’s quality of life.

I have seen for myself these teams in action and it does make a real difference. I know that the council, police and local businesses have all been impressed with the way the scheme seems to be working under its new name.

So keep your eye open for these community payback teams out and about as the scheme is growing.

I really think that in cases where the courts have deemed it safe to do so, offenders should be given the chance to make amends for their wrong things they have done.