Since Monday 26 October, Respect Orders have been in force in England and Wales – new orders against adults who persistently make life a misery for their neighbours. They replace the previous civil injunctions for adults.
An order can be sought from a court by the police, the local council and also, among others, housing associations and transport operators. The court can ban the offender from the town centre or from drinking alcohol in parks and on high streets. It can also impose an unlimited fine, a curfew or community work, and refer the person to addiction treatment or an anger management course.
Breaching an order is a criminal offence. The police can arrest immediately, and a court can impose up to 2 years in prison. The orders will be entered on the Police National Computer.
Respect Orders apply only to people aged 18 and over. Younger people can still receive a Youth Injunction. The government also points to other powers: police can seize vehicles used for anti-social behaviour more quickly, and dispersal powers have been extended from 48 to 72 hours.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood says that from now on authorities will be able to take tough action against offenders.
What it means for you
If you have had problems for months with a nuisance neighbour, a group drinking outside a shop or night-time car meets outside your home, you now have stronger support. Evidence matters: dates, times, recordings, reports. Social housing tenants can ask their landlord for help – a housing association can also apply for an order. Owners of shops and premises on the high street gain a tool against people who regularly intimidate customers.
Our assessment
This is a real change, because the rules are already in force. Its effectiveness, however, depends on whether the police and councils find the time and people to use them. Most can be done where residents report problems consistently.
What to do
- Record every incident: date, time, what happened, witnesses.
- Report anti-social behaviour to the police (101, or 999 in an emergency) or via the GOV.UK: Report anti-social behaviourpage.
- If you rent from a housing association, inform your landlord as well.
Source: Home Office, Ministry of Justice, MHCLG: “Respect Orders launch targeting anti-social behaviour offenders” (26 October 2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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