A COUNCILLOR last week admitted some will “not take kindly to what we are trying to do” in introducing smart justice solutions in Clackmannanshire – “but it is the right thing”.

Elected members approved Clackmannanshire Council’s Community Justice Plan for 2018-23 last Thursday, April 12, with the aim of addressing the complex issues around criminality along with partners like Police Scotland and HMP Glenochil.

Tackling the root causes of crime is at the heart of the plans, rather than expanding on “short-sighted justice” with more criminalisation and short custodial sentences.

Repeat victimisation and offending stems from complex childhood adversities, argues the plan, which was presented and subsequently approved at the chamber in Kilncraigs.

It explained: “Responding to adversity and trauma is an important part of our approach to resolving the cycles of suffering.

“These cycles of suffering are accelerated by exclusion, deprivation, stigma, misuse of alcohol and other substances, mental health problems, relational poverty, unhealthy gender constructs and low job density.”

Developing healthy relationships, minds and gender constructs; enabling worthwhile work and enabling financial inclusion; as well as addressing the misuse of alcohol and other substances are the key priorities of the plan.

The worthwhile work and financial inclusion element has a particular focus on Alloa South and East – some of the most deprived areas in the county.

Conservative Councillor Mike Watson highlighted that parts of Sauchie have similar issues and was reassured by officers that measures are not exclusive to the other two areas.

One of the actions taken to drive the plan forward will include entrepreneurial work at HMP Glenochil to find sustainable employment for people with complex convictions.

Labour leader Cllr Dave Clark told the chamber that criminality in the area is an “ecosystem issue” with aspects of education, attainment, jobs and alcohol all playing part.

He said the plan could help inform decisions of the licensing board and added that it cannot be ignored that the council is “inflicting really tough cuts”.

In his closing remarks, depute leader Phil Fairlie said: “Some will not take kindly to what we are trying to do, but it’s the right thing.”