Eastwood MP applauds new Government powers to tackle anti-social behaviour
Eastwood MP Juliet Campbell (Lab) has says the Government’s new Respect Orders give Nottinghamshire Police and Broxtowe Council stronger powers to tackle repeat adult offenders and make streets and neighbourhoods safer.
Respect Orders, which are now in force, are a new behavioural order, designed to help police, local authorities and housing associations take more effective action against relentless offenders whose anti-social behaviour (ASB) is impacting local neighbourhoods.
The order enables courts to ban adult offenders from engaging in specified activities relating to their ASB – for example, public drinking on a particular high street.
Respect Orders can also include positive requirements which compel individuals to take action to address behaviours, like undertaking drug or alcohol treatment. Breach of a Respect Order will be a criminal offence and perpetrators could face arrests, fines, community sentences and – in the most serious cases – prison sentences of up to two years.
They fill a significant gap in the previous ASB powers, giving local agencies stronger enforcement capability to tackle the most relentless adult ASB offenders and provide relief to affected communities and victims.
Ms Campbell said: “I know from speaking to residents in Eastwood that persistent antisocial behaviour has had a real impact on residents’ quality of life, leaving local people feeling frustrated and unable to enjoy their local high streets and public spaces.
“Respect Orders are a welcome step forward from Labour, giving the authorities more effective ways to intervene when individuals ignore the rules and disrupt life for others.
"It is right that those responsible are held accountable, and that there are opportunities to help people change their behaviour where this can make a difference.
“I will continue to work with the police and the local authorities to ensure residents’ concerns are heard and that Broxtowe gets the support and action we need to tackle ASB.”
Respect Orders are part of the Government’s new Crime and Policing Act.
Sarah Jones MP (Lab), minister for policing and crime said: “Respect Orders will give police, local authorities and their partners stronger tools to tackle relentless adult offenders, protect victims and restore confidence in our streets and public spaces.
"By combining clear consequences for unacceptable behaviour with the opportunity to address its underlying causes, we can take more effective action against those who repeatedly cause harm.”