Andrea Fraser, JUSTICE:
“The Manifesto Club has been a vital partner to JUSTICE in our work on Behavioural Control Orders. Their research on Community Protection Notices was instrumental to our 2023 working party report, “Lowering the Standard: a review of Behavioural Control Orders” which highlights the need for urgent policy reform. We continue to be proud of our relationship with Manifesto Club through our participation in its Advisory Council looking at the function of powers under the 2014 Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.
As the only organisation consistently gathering robust FOI data on the use of CPNs and other tools under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, Manifesto Club has provided essential evidence that has underpinned our policy reform projects — including our briefings on the current Crime and Policing Bill. Their extensive collection of case studies has likewise been invaluable, supporting a wide range of our work, from policy engagement to a documentary designed to raise public awareness about the impact of behavioural control orders.“
David, CPW recipient:
“I have autism; I received an unfair Community Protection Warning (CPW) and it had a terrible effect on my mental health. The council refused to give evidence of why I was given a CPW, and at no time was I invited to give my side. The CPW has made me feel dirty and led to a worsening of my anxiety and other symptoms. The council has from the beginning failed to take account of my mental health or my autism. The Manifesto Club campaign has made me feel supported and not alone. I really appreciate the chance to meet other CPN recipients and hear about their cases, and to discuss the power with other people who understand. The Manifesto Club has provided really helpful advice as well as moral support, which has
made all the difference.”
Sarah, CPN recipient:
“I appreciate the existence of the Manifesto Club and the support given over the Community Protection Notice (CPN). My CPN was for the ridiculous claim of garden materials on a neighbour’s drive, citing the leaves falling on it as antisocial behaviour, even though I have no tree only bushes in my garden. The other claim was equally spurious, over parking. The warning was given without discussion.
The Manifesto Club’s support helped me through a traumatic time. The intimidation I felt was awful. Police powers I feel have been used to abuse a citizen in their own home. I have had no support from the local MP who does not get ‘involved in operational matters’. The local police were in special measures at the time when I was suffering.
The Manifesto Club gave support where there was none. I feel terrorized by what has happened to me. So much so I’m moving home to get away from the traumatic environment I have experienced.
These powers need a massive review and change to prevent citizens going through what I have experienced. I have made several complaints. However, the system is broken and we need the Manifesto Club’s work to prevent and highlight the injustice the wrongful use of powers causes. I feel these powers are being used to silent the victim, and in my opinion they are rooted in an unjust and unfair discriminatory service.
Via the Manifesto Club I have experienced a very supportive group of people who have gone through the same thing regarding the CPN. I support the work being carried out to stop what traumatized me and change the law. The Manifesto Club is a very necessary and important redress for the powerless, and those minorities discriminated against.”
Nigel, CPW recipient
“We bought our seaside home in 1992. Our daily routine included a 30-metre walk to the beach, past a workshop which was in between our house and the sea. My wife is a Hindu; she would sit and meditate and pray on a log on the beach. After a dispute with our neighbours – who had brought the workshop – we were issued with a Community Protection Warning. The dispute involved racism and religious discrimination against my wife. The order imposed an exclusion zone preventing us from going to the beach near our house in perpetuity.
I contacted Josie Appleton from the Manifesto Club. We agreed to be filmed for the BBC ‘Victoria Derbyshire Show’, which was running a programme on Community Protection Notices. A two-man crew came down and filmed us; after the programme was broadcast, all the national newspapers carried our story.
The help we received from the Manifesto Club in tackling the CPW was key. These blunt instruments are clearly open to abuse. The work of the Manifesto Club is vital.”