Members of the Manchester Housing Providers Partnership recently received an update from Joshua Stolberg, Principal Associate at Weightmans LLP, on the significant anti-social behaviour (ASB) reforms being introduced through the Crime and Policing Act 2026
The new legislation, with key ASB provisions taking effect from 26 October 2026, introduces important changes for registered providers and social landlords.
A major reform is the replacement of existing civil injunction arrangements with separate Respect Orders, Housing Injunctions, and Youth Injunctions. Respect Orders will target more serious behaviour that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, while Housing Injunctions will address housing-related nuisance and annoyance and are expected to provide a lower threshold for intervention.
The Act also extends Closure Order powers to registered providers, enabling housing organisations to apply directly in respect of their own properties, subject to robust procedural requirements and consultation with key partners such as the police and local authorities.
Housing providers are encouraged to begin preparing now by reviewing policies, updating procedures and templates, strengthening partnership arrangements, and ensuring staff are familiar with the new powers and responsibilities. Particular attention should be given to risk assessments, evidence gathering, proportionality considerations, and processes for responding to breaches.
These changes represent one of the most significant developments in ASB enforcement in recent years and will require close collaboration across housing, policing and local government partners to ensure effective implementation.
