Should English Rioters Lose Council Homes?

UK Prime Minister David Cameron MP has said that people who have been found rioting will lose the tenancy of council homes if they live in one.

I don't believe that this is the right approach to take. I also disagree with the proposal put forward that they should lose benefits if they have been caught rioting. It will only make matters worse and create more looting. I would rather see them asked to do community service. They should play an active part in re-building the communities that they inflicted great damage to.

This would make the punishment fair. Not all rioters live in council homes and claim benefits so why should some pay more than others just because of their social background? I can understand why people are angry and would like to see people thrown out of council homes and lose benefits over this but we must look at the bigger picture.

Many of the people rioting believe that they have no opportunities open to them. That they have no chance in life. This would only make these feelings stronger which will push them into a position where they will commit more crime to survive.

Rioters have to learn a lesson. The things they did and took part in is completely unacceptable and there is no excuse but, the UK Government also has a lesson to learn. Cut off opportunities, cut back on youth workers and police, cut back on support for the most vulnerable and there may be a bigger price to pay which makes the saving become more expensive.

Now is the opportunity for the UK Government to sit up and listen to the people. I hope they grab the opportunity with both hands and make changes to ensure that the most vulnerable people in society have the best possible support that we can give them.

Posted by Austin Sheridan MSYP