POLITICAL COMMENT: MP applauds new government powers to tackle antisocial behaviour
New Respect Orders – coming into effect today (Monday 26th October)/this week – will give Portsmouth stronger powers to tackle repeat adult offenders and make streets and neighbourhoods safer.
The Labour government is making streets and neighbourhoods safer by enhancing and strengthening powers available to the police, local authorities and other partners to tackle antisocial behaviour (ASB).
Respect Orders are a new behavioural order, designed to help police, local authorities and housing associations take more effective action against relentless offenders whose ASB is impacting local neighbourhoods. The order enables courts to ban adult offenders from engaging in specified activities relating to their ASB – for example, public drinking on a particular high street.
Respect Orders can also include positive requirements which compel individuals to take action to address behaviours, like undertaking drug or alcohol treatment. Breach of a Respect Order will be a criminal offence and perpetrators could face arrests, fines, community sentences and – in the most serious cases – prison sentences of up to two years.
They fill a significant gap in the previous ASB powers, giving local agencies stronger enforcement capability to tackle the most relentless adult ASB offenders and provide relief to affected communities and victims.
Respect Orders are part of the Government’s flagship Crime and Policing Act. The Act represents the biggest package of measures on crime and policing for decades, with new laws to cut crime and make our streets safer.
Sarah Jones MP, Minister for Policing and Crime said: “Everyone deserves to feel safe in their local neighbourhood, and nobody should have to put up with persistent antisocial behaviour that blights their community.
“Respect Orders will give police, local authorities and their partners stronger tools to tackle relentless adult offenders, protect victims and restore confidence in our streets and public spaces. By combining clear consequences for unacceptable behaviour with the opportunity to address its underlying causes, we can take more effective action against those who repeatedly cause harm.
“This is about delivering on our commitment to safer streets and stronger communities, ensuring that persistent antisocial behaviour is tackled and that residents can feel proud of and safe in the places they call home.”
Amanda Martin MP for Portsmouth North said: “Persistent antisocial behaviour can have a real impact on people’s quality of life, leaving residents feeling frustrated and unable to enjoy their local high streets and public spaces.
“I know these Respect Orders will make a difference locally, they are a welcome step forward from Labour, giving the authorities more effective ways to intervene when individuals ignore the rules and disrupt life for others. It is right that those responsible are held accountable, and that there are opportunities to help people change their behaviour where this can make a difference.
“I will continue to work with local partners to ensure residents’ concerns are heard and that our communities get the support and action they need to tackle antisocial behaviour.”