Respect Orders: new powers against anti-social behaviour offenders in England and Wales

The government has launched a new tool against persistent anti-social behaviour offenders in England and Wales. Respect Orders came into force on 26 October 2026, the Home Office announced.

What an order can require or ban

A court can ban an offender from town centres or from drinking in public places such as high streets and parks. It can also impose unlimited fines and community punishments, such as a curfew or hours of volunteering.

An order can also require offenders to address the root causes of their behaviour, for example drug or alcohol treatment or an anger management course.

Who can apply

Applications can be made by the police and local councils, as well as landlords for housing associations and transport networks, among others.

For a court to issue an order, the offender must have engaged in, or threatened to engage in, conduct that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. The government notes that this broad description can capture a wide range of behaviour.

Consequences of breaching an order

Breaching a Respect Order is a criminal offence. Police can arrest anyone who ignores the conditions, and they face up to 2 years in jail. Orders will be recorded on the Police National Computer, so officers can check whether someone is subject to one.

Adults, not under 18s

Respect Orders replace civil injunctions for adult offenders. They apply only to people aged 18 and over. Younger people can still receive the existing Youth Injunction, which includes both prohibitions and requirements. The government stresses that it does not want to unnecessarily give children criminal records.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said authorities had lacked proper powers until now and that this changes from 26 October. Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Akehurst of the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) said the new tool should allow swift enforcement against prolific offenders while prioritising rehabilitation.

Other measures on anti-social behaviour

The government also lists other measures: police no longer need to issue a warning before seizing vehicles linked to anti-social behaviour and can destroy them more quickly. Dispersal powers have been extended from 48 to 72 hours. The fine for breaching community protection measures rises from £100 to £500. The government also says 3,800 additional neighbourhood police and support officers have been put into communities.

What this means for you

The new rules apply to all adults in England and Wales, regardless of nationality. Anyone subject to an order should follow its conditions closely, because breaching them is a criminal offence. This also concerns tenants: landlords for housing associations can apply for an order.