The home secretary has signalled that crime can only be combated with strong local commitment.

Addressing the Local Government Association annual conference, David Blunkett said central government had given councils the cash to tackle anti-social behaviour and increase community safety

He said that local authorities must work hand in hand with partner agencies and communities to continue to play a full role in tackling crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.

"The government has provided a 30 per cent increase in local authority funding in the last seven years which has led to enormous improvements in local performance and delivery," he said.

"A great deal of progress has been made in community safety and it is vital that we build on these achievements by working with partner agencies and the public to provide a service that is fully responsive and accountable to local needs.

"As part of our local government reforms we must continue to increase accountability and engagement of local communities to ensure that change is from the bottom up and reflects the aspirations of the public."

Blunkett said councils can motivate local agencies - and pointed to increased police numbers.

"Local authorities can provide leadership and increase levels of citizen engagement at a local level, but we all have a part to play," he said.

And Blunkett urged councils to fully utilise the tools given to them by central government.

"The government has delivered record numbers of police officers and new community safety officers to provide reassurance and tackle crime and anti-social behaviour in our communities," said the home secretary.

"We have also appointed four Home Office delivery managers in local communities to make more rapid progress in streamlining the paperwork and requests we make from the centre to local organisations."