Carl Sargeant, Cabinet Secretary for Communities and Children
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
Today I am publishing a new Hate Crime Delivery Plan for 2016-17 and an update of actions which took place in 2015-16. This reaffirms this Government’s commitment to tackle hate crimes and incidents across Wales and to highlight our continued progress in implementing the Hate Crime Framework across the three strategic objectives on prevention, supporting victims and improving the multi-agency response.
The Plan highlights the breadth of work that is continuing to take place across both the Welsh Government and non-devolved agencies through the Hate Crime Criminal Justice Board. It is important that the Framework continues to be responsive and evolves with the shifting climate. This includes embedding recommendations from our Independent Advisory Group Evidence and Outcomes Report, which was published in December last year so that we respond to communities, stakeholders and evidenced need.
Since the launch of the Framework, we have seen a 20% increase in reporting of hate crimes and incidents, whilst the The Hate Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) suggests that hate crimes fell 28% between 2008 to 2015. There continue to be positive signs that victims are coming forwards and are confident in reporting.
However, in light of recent rises in racism following the outcome of the EU Referendum, it is important we all continue to work together to tackle intolerance and hatred in our society and to monitor closely developments. I have written out to stakeholders to provide reassurances and to provide a strong message that victims should continue to come forwards. This Government continues to take a zero tolerance approach to hate crime.