New powers to tackle antisocial behaviour welcomed by Portsmouth MP

Stephen Morgan has welcomed that Respect Orders, implemented by the Crime and Policing Act 2026, have now come into effect, providing stronger local authority powers to tackle repeat adult offenders and make Portsmouth’s 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 streets safer.  

Mr Morgan has been campaigning to make the city’s streets safer and calling on the council to do more and do better on the issues the high streets have been facing.  He recently called a summit on issues that residents and traders on Albert Road and the surrounding area have experienced. 

Welcoming the latest action by the Government, Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South, 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.

“Respect Orders are a welcome step forward from the Government, giving Portsmouth 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 trust these powers will be used to ensure residents’ concerns are heard and that our city’s communities get the support and action they need to tackle antisocial behaviour across Portsmouth.”