The last quarter has seen major movement across the community safety landscape, with ASB policy, policing reform and victim rights all gaining renewed national attention. These developments are reshaping expectations for local areas and strengthening the case for a more consistent, victim‑centred approach to ASB. As we approach the end of a busy first few months, and the continuing scrutiny of some vital bills for community safety, we will take stock of some changes and what they mean for you.

Legislative Reforms

The Crime & Policing Bill 2025–26 continues to progress, with the introduction of the Respect Order signalling a tougher stance on persistent adult offenders. It is now in its final stages, moving between the House of Lords and the House of Commons for final amendments. This is commonly referred to as the ‘ping-pong’ stage, as this is where both houses can delay the bill inadvertently or not, by applying further scrutiny, and having it sent for review to the other house. Of course, further amendments have been agreed throughout its legislative scrutiny, including significantly extending the legal durations for the closure order under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, to give authorities and agencies more time to investigate and ultimately disrupt criminal activity at specific premises; closure orders are increased from 48 hours to 7 days. Mandatory ASB data‑sharing and extended dispersal powers point to a future of greater national oversight and more assertive local enforcement. In the Lords’ Committee stage , commencing on the 19^{th of} June 2025, included 810 amendments, with 207 selected for discussion, focusing on ASB and related enforcement provisions.  We commented previously on some of the key amendments here, including some key proposals to amendments of respect orders and other key provisions. So far at the report stage, they have had 304 amendments agreed: 2 back bench amendments, 3 opposition amendments, and 255 were government amendments. 559 amendments have been tabled at this bill stage. Of the government’s 328 amendments at this stage, 284 have passed. Of the oppositions 80 amendments, 9 have passed, and of the backbenches’ 161 amendments, 11 have passed. This represents not only the government’s parliamentary majority, but also how much this piece of legislation is to their policy platform.

Victims’ Rights Strengthened

Updated statutory guidance places victims firmly at the centre of ASB responses. Improvements to the ASB Case Review, clearer pathways to support, and alignment with the Victims’ Code reflect a growing expectation that local areas must deliver accessible, transparent processes. In short, the updated guidance has highlighted:

1. Victim-centred practice strengthened - the guidance now explicitly recognises the importance of victim choice and contribution, urging agencies to consider the full context of harm rather than isolated incidents. This aligns with Resolve’s long-standing call for trauma-informed approaches and better support for vulnerable individuals. There’s also a push for early engagement, ensuring victims feel heard and supported from the outset and not just when cases escalate.

2. Clearer definitions and thresholds – Clearer and stronger guidance helps standardise the ASB experience, ensuring it is a national approach. Greater expectation and entitlement of the use of the Victims code, and reinforces the vital use of the rights under the victims code.

3. Tools, powers and the Community Trigger - the guidance reinforces expectations, with calls for greater transparency, improved victim communication and clearer escalation routes. It also highlights good practice in using informal tools such as mediation and tenancy support before resorting to enforcement. This supports Resolve’s emphasis on early intervention and restorative practice, especially in housing-led responses.

4. Multi-agency working and accountability - there’s a strong focus on joined-up responses, with housing providers, police, councils, and support services expected to collaborate more effectively. The guidance encourages information sharing protocols, local ASB partnerships and shared case reviews to ensure consistent outcomes. Agencies are also expected to record and review ASB cases more robustly, with an emphasis on learning from outcomes and improving service delivery. Accountability is also strengthened by including the need to legislate a requirement for independent chairs of ASB case reviews.

Largely, these recommendations are welcomed from Resolve. In particular, 7 highlights the importance on standardising the ASB process across the country, helping to standardise the threshold for ASB Case reviews. The more victims can easily understand the processes, and understand how to use the case review, the more it will widely be understood and known. Recommendations also looks to help the victim experience; by allowing for victim rights and autonomy in the process, victim-led processes help restore confidence in institutions and processes and can help mitigate some of the most insidious aspects of ASB.

Policing changes: National and Local

At the start of year, 26 January 2026, the Government published a policing White Paper which would set out proposals for significant reforms to policing in England and Wales. This White Paper ultimately sought to address challenges such as police performance, the confidence from the public and restoring neighbourhood policing. The general focus was on reducing the number of police forces in England and Wales, an attempt to shift away from bureaucracy, reduce fragmentation and improve consistency. Moving from 43 current forces to a, currently unspecified, smaller number of larger, more resilient forces. It is also clear that the Government positions neighbourhood policing as essential to the challenges around crime prevention, The importance of partnership working in tackling crime and antisocial behaviour is also recognised, including collaboration with local authorities, health and other agencies. Social housing providers and local authorities should be ensured to be a key partner in community safety partnerships, reiterating their importance within the new system. Indeed, the White paper also has implications for funding and capacity, with certain transitional costs certain along with pressured on services if police priorities shift. Forces are already responding to Policing Reform White Paper, with new action plans emerging that prioritise hotspot visibility, early intervention and multi‑agency problem‑solving. We are certain queries on the Police Reform White Paper are to be numerous, along with how these changes are to have knock on effects on services. For any questions on this, please contact: Harrison Box – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Resolve’s View

As Secretariat to the APPG on Anti‑Social Behaviour, Resolve continues to ensure frontline experience and community insight shape national policy. The direction of travel is clear: stronger powers, clearer expectations, and a renewed focus on victims and prevention.

Rebecca Bryant OBE, Chief Executive of Resolve, said: “We are seeing a decisive shift towards greater accountability and a more consistent national approach to ASB. But legislation alone won’t deliver safer communities as it requires strong local partnerships, confident use of powers, and a relentless focus on victims’ experiences. Resolve will continue to champion that on behalf of our members and the communities they serve.”

Regards,

Chris

Chris Irons

Head of Communications and Business Development