Hilary Benn MP (Leeds Central) has called on Leeds City Council and West Yorkshire Police to commission an independent review into the “Managed Approach” to street sex work in Holbeck.
The current policy, which aims to keep sex work away from residential areas, has met with widespread opposition from local residents. A delegation from the Save Our Eyes campaign recently visited Hilary Benn at his regular monthly surgery at St Matthew’s Community Centre.
In his letter Hilary Benn states:
“I have always said the scheme is only going to maintain credibility with the public if everyone sticks to the rules, including women not working in residential areas and not doing so outside the permitted hours. It is now clear that this is not happening in too many cases and the residents I met don’t feel that effective action is being taken when women are in breach of the rules.”
The letter is reproduced in full below.
On Facebook, Save Our Eyes have welcomed the idea of a review and called for it to be led by a “truly independent body.” And they commented:
“Due to the tenacity of our community our voices have been heard and we are finally seeing results.”
