We established statutory partnerships to ensure that the resources and commitment of local councils, health authorities, schools, businesses and voluntary organisations could work better to support the police in the fight against crime. Those partnerships have been very successful and have helped secure the 10 per cent. reduction in crime measured by the 2000 British crime survey.

This morning, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Minister of State, Cabinet Office—my right hon. Friend the Member for Makerfield (Mr. McCartney) —and I announced the allocation of £220 million over three years direct to crime and disorder partnerships to spend on measures to help to tackle local drugs markets.