Respect Orders have come into force across England and Wales, giving courts and public authorities a new legal tool to address persistent anti-social behaviour. The Government announced the launch on 26 October 2026, describing the measure as part of a wider package intended to improve safety and confidence in local communities.
What are Respect Orders?
Respect Orders are civil behavioural orders introduced by the Crime and Policing Act 2026, which amends the existing anti-social behaviour framework. Under the new provisions, a court may make an order against a person aged 18 or over where it is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the person has engaged in or threatens to engage in anti-social behaviour and that making an order is just and convenient to prevent further conduct.
The Government says the orders are intended to address persistent or highly disruptive behaviour that affects residents and communities. The terms of each order will depend on the circumstances and the court’s decision.
What can an order prohibit or require?
A Respect Order can prohibit a person from doing specified things and can also require them to take positive steps. Depending on the case, restrictions may include staying away from particular locations or stopping specified activities associated with anti-social behaviour.
The positive requirements are intended to address factors contributing to the behaviour. The Government gives examples such as drug or alcohol treatment and anger-management courses. This means an order may combine restrictions with steps aimed at reducing the risk of repeated conduct.
Respect Orders combine behavioural restrictions with the option of requirements intended to address the underlying causes of anti-social behaviour.
The legislation also places limits on the terms that may be imposed. The court must apply the statutory framework and consider the circumstances before deciding what prohibitions or requirements are appropriate.
Who can apply and who is covered?
The Government announcement identifies police forces, local councils, housing association landlords and transport networks among the bodies that may apply for an order, where the relevant legal requirements are met. The new framework is directed at adult offenders aged 18 and over.
Respect Orders do not replace the separate arrangements for children. The Government states that existing Youth Injunctions remain available for people under 18, and those orders can include both prohibitions and requirements.
- The Crime and Policing Act 2026 received Royal Assent.
- Respect Orders came into force across England and Wales, according to the Government’s launch announcement.
- Applications and the terms of individual orders will be determined under the statutory framework by the relevant courts.
What happens if an order is breached?
A key feature of Respect Orders is that breach is a criminal offence. The Government says police will be able to arrest people suspected of breaching the conditions of an order. A person who breaches an order may face further proceedings and penalties, with the launch announcement stating that imprisonment of up to two years may be available.
Respect Orders are also intended to be recorded on the Police National Computer, enabling officers to check whether an order is in place and identify its conditions. The precise consequences will depend on the alleged breach and the applicable law.
How do Respect Orders differ from ASBOs?
The Government highlights two main differences from the former Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs). First, Respect Orders apply to adults aged 18 and over. Secondly, they can include positive requirements designed to tackle underlying causes of behaviour, rather than relying solely on prohibitions.
The new orders also form part of a change to the previous civil injunction framework. The Government says criminalising breach gives police stronger enforcement powers where an order is ignored. The legal position in any individual case will depend on the terms of the order and the relevant statutory provisions.
What should legal professionals note?
Solicitors advising applicants, housing providers or respondents should review the Crime and Policing Act 2026 and the applicable statutory guidance before advising on an application or a potential breach. Important issues may include whether the statutory test is met, what evidence supports the alleged behaviour, whether the proposed restrictions are proportionate and workable, and what positive requirements may be suitable.
Housing providers and other eligible applicants should also ensure that decisions are supported by relevant evidence and that the proposed terms are clearly defined. For respondents, advice may need to address the scope of the order, compliance obligations and the consequences of an alleged breach.
The Government has presented Respect Orders as one part of a wider package of anti-social behaviour measures. Their practical impact will depend on how consistently agencies use the powers, how courts apply the legislation and how effectively any rehabilitative requirements are delivered.
Frequently asked questions
When did Respect Orders come into force?
The Government announced that Respect Orders came into force across England and Wales on 26 October 2026.
Who can be subject to a Respect Order?
The new Respect Order framework applies to adults aged 18 and over. Separate Youth Injunction arrangements remain available for children and young people under 18.
Can a Respect Order require someone to attend treatment?
Yes. The legislation allows positive requirements, and the Government gives drug or alcohol treatment and anger-management courses as examples of steps that may address the causes of anti-social behaviour.
Is breaching a Respect Order a criminal offence?
Yes. The Government states that breach is a criminal offence and that police can arrest a person suspected of breaching an order. Further penalties depend on the applicable law and proceedings.
Are Respect Orders the same as ASBOs?
No. The Government identifies their adult-only scope and their ability to include positive requirements as important differences from the former ASBO system.