New Respect Orders have come into force across England and Wales, giving police, councils and other authorised bodies a new route to court-imposed restrictions against adults involved in persistent anti-social behaviour.
The measures took effect on 26 October 2026 under the Crime and Policing Act 2026. The Government says the orders are intended to tackle repeat incidents that cause harassment, alarm or distress in local communities.
What can a Respect Order do?
A court may impose restrictions on someone aged 18 or over where it is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the person has engaged in or threatened anti-social behaviour, and considers an order just and convenient to prevent further incidents.
Conditions could prevent an individual entering specified town centres or other areas, or prohibit particular conduct. Courts can also require positive steps intended to address underlying problems, such as drug or alcohol treatment or anger management programmes.
Breaches can lead to arrest and imprisonment
Although a Respect Order is made through civil proceedings, breaching its terms is a criminal offence. Police can arrest someone suspected of breaching an order, and a person convicted of a breach could face a fine, a community sentence or, in serious cases, up to two years in prison.
The Government says details of orders will be recorded on the Police National Computer, allowing officers to check restrictions when responding to incidents.
How are the orders different from ASBOs?
Respect Orders replace the previous general civil anti-social behaviour injunction route for adults, while separate youth and housing injunctions remain available. Unlike the former Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, Respect Orders can include requirements for an individual to undertake activities intended to address the causes of their behaviour.
The new orders apply only to adults aged 18 and over. Existing youth injunction arrangements provide a separate mechanism for younger people.
Other anti-social behaviour powers
Related measures brought into force include an increase in the maximum duration of dispersal directions from 48 to 72 hours, subject to a review after 48 hours, and an increase in the maximum fixed penalty for breaches of public spaces protection orders or community protection notices from £100 to £500.
The Home Office has also highlighted changes to police powers concerning vehicles used anti-socially and wider neighbourhood policing measures.
Government and policing response
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the new powers would help authorities take action against those responsible for persistent disruption. The National Police Chiefs’ Council welcomed the additional enforcement tool while emphasising the importance of rehabilitation and partnership working.
The measures establish new powers, but their effect on the number of anti-social behaviour incidents will depend on how frequently orders are sought, granted and enforced. The Government has said it is developing an approach to monitoring their use and impact.
Sources
- Home Office: Respect Orders launch targeting anti-social behaviour offenders, 26 October 2026
- Crime and Policing Act 2026 (Commencement No. 3 and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026
- Home Office: Crime and Policing Act 2026 anti-social behaviour factsheet
- Home Office: Anti-social behaviour powers guidance