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January 10th, 2013

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Fewer young people turning to crime
Youth crime rates have fallen so much in recent years that much of the prison space set aside for young criminals stands empty. The news stems from a new report from Danske Regioner, the association of regional councils, and will lead to the elimination of some of the spaces reserved for young criminals. According to the report, the explanation for the extra space is a significant drop in crimes such as robbery, assault and crimes against public order, which all carry jail sentences. Figures from the Justice Ministry indicated that the number of juvenile convictions fell 40 percent between 2006 and 2011. – Berlingske

Economic advisor criticises council investment cap
The government's cap on municipal construction spending is unnecessarily low, according to Hans Jørgen Whitta-Jacobsen, of government advisory panel De Økonomiske Råd. The government has limited municipal investment to 16 billion kroner, in order to keep Denmark within EU deficit spending limits, but mayors say they would like to spend a total of 18 billion kroner on projects such as school renovation and road construction. Local governments argue this would stimulate economic growth. The finance minister, Bjarne Corydon (Socialdemokraterne), said it was unlikely the cap could be raised. – Jyllands-Posten

Employment centres to be ranked
The national network of council-run employment centres has come under attack from local government association KL for not being able to help Denmark’s 160,000 unemployed. Efforts by the Jobcenters to help unemployed find work have come under heavy criticism from employers, unions and the Employment Ministry. Until now, KL has refused to rate individual Jobcenters based on performance, maintaining that the differences can be related to social conditions in the areas they serve. However, KL has now asked consulting firm Deloitte to look into what the best job centres do that make them successful. – Politiken

Laudrup with one leg in cup final
Michael Laudrup and Swansea City are tantalisingly close to reaching the final of the English League Cup after surprising Chelsea in London. Laudrup’s boys weren’t given much chance at Stamford Bridge, but strikes from Spanish revelation Michu and Danny Graham ensured that the Swans have a solid two-goal cushion going into the return leg next week in Wales. The result adds further glory to Laudrup’s excellent start to his managerial campaign at Swansea, which sees them on the brink of a cup final and enjoying a solid ninth place position in the Premier League. Swansea could meet minnows Bradford, who beat Aston Villa 3-1 in the first leg of the other semi-final. – Ekstra Bladet

Weather
Partly sunny with the chance of flurries. Highs around 2 C. Temperatures falling to – 4 C overnight. – DMI