With over 46,000 hours of unpaid work time carried out in Edinburgh in the year 2024-25, residents are being asked to share their views on Community Payback Orders (CPO).
CPOs are given by the Court to people to pay for their crimes as an alternative to a prison sentence, with local communities putting forward ideas to their local authority for the unpaid work carried out where they live.
Edinburgh residents are now being encouraged to feed back on the unpaid work that has been carried out in their area and how it has helped the local community. There is also the chance to suggest local community groups or projects that could benefit from unpaid work.
CPOs were set up in 2011 by the Scottish Government as a replacement for community service.
Examples of unpaid work include:
· developing and maintaining children's play areas
· recycling projects including bicycles and outdoor furniture.
· cleaning beaches, graffiti, litter
We welcome views on the effectiveness of Community Payback Orders as a way to reduce re-offending and we want to know:
· Do you have any experience of people doing unpaid work in your community?
· Do you think unpaid work gives people the opportunity to repay the community for the crimes they have committed?
· Do you have any ideas about residents, community projects or organisations who could benefit from unpaid work support?
· Recommendations for groups, residents, organisations or projects that may benefit from unpaid work,
Councillor Tim Pogson, Chair of Edinburgh Community Safety and Justice Partnership, said:
“Community Payback Orders offer a positive alternative to a prison sentence for many people convicted of a criminal offence providing them with the opportunity to serve their sentence in a way that benefits local communities through unpaid work. CPOs support participants to learn new skills, gain confidence, and work as part of a team, whilst making a difference in their own life and the lives of those around them.
“In Edinburgh we have several successful projects underway which enable CPOs to be completed, including community clear ups, repainting community centres and the ‘Brake the Cycle’ scheme, which involves individuals undertaking CPOs repairing bikes for reuse as part of community projects. I would encourage local Edinburgh residents to engage with the consultation and share their views to help shape CPO unpaid work in the City.”