PARENTS of young thugs in York who damage other people's property face having to foot the bill, under an innovative new proposal.

The Home Office has selected the city as one of ten pilot areas for new Parental Compensation Orders, which can force parents to compensate the victims of damage caused by their children.

The orders can be brought against the parents of any child under the age of ten, for up to £5,000. The policy has been introduced as part of the Home Office's Criminal Justice Review, and has been welcomed by politicians and police alike.

York MP Hugh Bayley said: "Antisocial behaviour, even by children under the age of ten, can cause a lot distress and cost money, for instance if they break windows or damage cars.

"The primary responsibility lies with parents to bring their children up to respect other people and their property, and to obey the law, and it's right in principle for the courts to be able to punish parents who fail to do so.

"I have not seen how the scheme will work in practice, or why York has been chosen as a pilot area, and I will look at the detail as soon as the papers arrive."

Inspector Richard Crinnion, of York Police, said: "It's something to be welcomed. If it's going to discourage individuals from causing criminal damage then it sounds like a good thing."

He said the fact much criminal damage was caused by youngsters meant penalties were limited, and welcomed the new powers.

A City of York Council spokesperson said: "We have been chosen to pilot these new powers because of our work around targeted youth support. York is one of ten local authority areas trialling this new power, and will influence how it is eventually implemented across England and Wales.

"Where victims of theft or damage to property report it as a crime to the police, but the damage was done by a child too young to prosecute, the power allows local authorities to apply to the courts for compensation of up to £5,000 on behalf of the victim.

"There is already significant investment in York to divert youngsters who are showing early signs of getting into trouble with the law, such as the youth inclusion and support scheme run by the youth offending team.

The policy will be reviewed after a year.