Crime And Policing Act 2026: ASB Provisions Coming Into Force On 26 October 2026
The Government has confirmed that key anti-social behaviour provisions within the Crime and Policing Act 2026 will come into force on 26 October 2026.
These changes form an important part of the Government’s commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour and strengthening the tools available to frontline practitioners.
For social housing providers, the new provisions introduce additional enforcement options, but also place greater emphasis on evidence, risk assessment, proportionality, effective case management and partnership working.
What is changing?
Respect Orders
A new Respect Order will be introduced as a civil order for adults aged 18 and over who have engaged in anti-social behaviour.
Applications will be available to local authorities, police forces and registered providers of social housing, subject to the relevant statutory requirements.
For housing providers, Respect Orders provide an additional option when dealing with serious or persistent ASB. Importantly, breach of a Respect Order will be a criminal offence, providing a different enforcement mechanism from existing civil injunctions.
Applicants will also be required to undertake an appropriate risk assessment before applying. This reinforces the need for practitioners to consider whether a Respect Order is the right and proportionate intervention in the circumstances of each case.
Closure Powers for social housing providers
Registered social housing providers will gain an extended ability to use Closure Notices and Closure Orders in relation to premises they own or manage.
The changes will also increase the maximum duration of Closure Notices and extend the timeframe for relevant agencies to apply to a magistrates’ court for a Closure Order from 48 hours to 72 hours following service of a Closure Notice.
This gives housing providers greater scope to take direct action in appropriate cases where premises are associated with serious nuisance or disorder.
Other changes coming into force
Higher Fixed Penalty Notice limits
The maximum fixed penalty for breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and Community Protection Notices (CPNs) will increase from £100 to £500.
Longer dispersal directions
The maximum duration of a police dispersal direction will increase from 48 hours to 72 hours.
What does this mean for practitioners?
The new legislation provides more tools, but having additional powers does not remove the need for good ASB case management.
Practitioners will need to consider:
- the nature, seriousness and persistence of the behaviour;
- the impact on victims, witnesses and the wider community;
- the evidence available;
- risk and vulnerability;
- proportionality;
- previous interventions and their effectiveness; and
- whether another intervention or legal route may be more appropriate.
For Respect Orders in particular, the requirement for an appropriate risk assessment before an application represents an important part of the new framework.
The key question should not simply be: “Can we use the new power?” but: “Is this the right intervention in the circumstances of this case?”
Partnership working will be increasingly important Respect Orders can be applied for by different agencies, while housing providers will also have greater powers in relation to Closure Notices.
This creates opportunities for agencies to use the organisation best placed to lead a case, but also increases the need for effective coordination.
Housing providers should consider how they will:
- identify potential cases;
- share relevant information;
- avoid duplication;
- coordinate enforcement action;
- respond to suspected breaches; and
- support victims and witnesses.
New powers should strengthen partnership working, not create new silos.
Preparing for 26 October 2026
With the new provisions coming into force next month, now is the time for housing providers to ensure they are ready.
Key areas to consider include:
Policies and procedures – are ASB and enforcement procedures up to date?
Risk assessment – are there clear processes for assessing whether a Respect Order is appropriate?
Evidence and recording – are practitioners equipped to gather, assess and record the evidence needed to support enforcement action?
Roles and authorisation – who will assess, authorise and progress applications?
Partnership arrangements – are arrangements with police and local authority partners clear, particularly around information sharing and suspected breaches?
Staff competence – do relevant staff understand not just what the new powers are, but when and how they should be used?
Resolve support and upcoming events
The introduction of these powers represents a significant change to the ASB toolkit available to social housing providers.
Successful implementation will depend on more than simply understanding the legislation. Practitioners will need the knowledge, skills and confidence to assess cases, make proportionate decisions and use the right intervention at the right time.
Resolve will continue to provide members with updates, practical guidance and training to support implementation.
➤ Respect Orders – Free Webinar
15 September 2026 | 11.00am–12.00pm (Register)
➤ Respect Orders – Practical Training Workshops
8 October (Register) | 15 October (Register) | 12 November (Register) | 19 November (Register)
➤ Closure Powers for Social Housing Providers
3 & 5 November (Register) | 24 & 26 November (Register)
For further information on trainings and additional support available, contact the team at
Further information
Full details of the provisions coming into force can be found in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 (Commencement No. 3 and Saving Provisions) Regulations 2026.