Police and councils in England and Wales can now apply for Respect Orders, a new measure against persistent adult anti-social behaviour, according to the Home Office. The orders let courts bar offenders from town centres or stop them drinking in public hotspots such as high streets and parks.
Key points
- Who can apply — police, local councils, housing association landlords and transport networks.
- What courts can impose — bans from areas, unlimited fines, curfews, volunteering hours and treatment for drug, alcohol or anger problems.
- Breach — a criminal offence carrying up to 2 years in prison, with police able to make an arrest.
- Age limit — the orders apply only to adults aged 18 and over; under-18s can still receive a Youth Injunction.
The orders replace civil injunctions for adults and are recorded on the Police National Computer, so officers can check whether one is in place before arresting someone for breaching it. To qualify, a person must have engaged in, or threatened, conduct that has caused or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. Unlike the old ASBOs, the orders can also require offenders to address the causes of their behaviour rather than simply banning them from places.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Akehurst, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for anti-social behaviour, said the legislation gives police and partner agencies "additional tools" and would enable "swift enforcement against prolific offenders, while prioritising rehabilitation and support". John Hayward-Cripps, chief executive of Neighbourhood Watch, said the orders have the potential to give agencies stronger tools to tackle repeat offending and help restore confidence in local communities.
What it means in practice
For most people, nothing changes overnight. The orders are applied for by councils, police and landlords, not by residents directly, so the practical effect depends on how actively local agencies use them. If you are dealing with persistent anti-social behaviour, the route is still to report it to your council or police and ask what action is being taken.
- Report and keep a record — log incidents with dates and times; evidence of a pattern is what supports an application.
- Ask about local use — councils and police forces decide when to apply, so it is worth asking what they are doing in your area.
- Breaches — if you know an order is in place and it is being ignored, tell the police, who can arrest for a breach.
