Defence · Homeland security · 28 October 2026
New Respect Orders take effect in England and Wales
The Home Office has confirmed that new Respect Orders are now in force across England and Wales. These orders allow police and councils to take stronger enforcement action against adults committing anti-social behaviour, replacing previous civil injunctions.
The Home Office has announced that new Respect Orders have come into force in England and Wales. The legislation enables police forces and local councils to pursue stronger enforcement measures against adult offenders responsible for anti-social behaviour. These orders supersede the civil injunctions previously used for such cases.
Courts can use the new orders to ban offenders from specific locations, such as town centres, or prohibit them from drinking in public hotspots. Sanctions may include unlimited fines or community-based punishments like curfews and voluntary work. Additionally, courts can mandate treatment for underlying issues such as drug or alcohol dependence. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood stated: "From today, that changes: authorities will be able to take tough action against these offenders."
Various bodies, including landlords, transport networks, police forces, and councils, are permitted to apply for these orders. Any breach of a Respect Order constitutes a criminal offence, allowing police to arrest the offender. The maximum penalty for such a breach is 2 years’ imprisonment. Details of the orders will be recorded on the Police National Computer to facilitate checks by police officers.
Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Catherine Akehurst, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for anti-social behaviour, welcomed the legislation. She noted that the new tools will help partner agencies tackle behaviour that undermines community safety and diminishes the quality of life in neighbourhoods.
Written by StreetOwl from Home Office’s own announcement. It was drafted by StreetOwl’s own model, every figure and quotation was checked by code against the announcement, and it was read and approved by Michael Rossi before it went up. It says what was announced, not what anyone should do about it.
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