New powers to tackle anti-social behaviour
New legislation has come into force giving additional powers to help councils and partner agencies tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB), protect residents and keep neighbourhoods safe.
The changes, introduced by the Crime and Policing Act 2026, aim to strengthen the response to ASB, while making sure that vulnerable people receive the right support and safeguarding.
What this means for residents
Most residents will not notice any immediate changes to day-to-day services. However, the new legislation provides additional options for dealing with serious ASB, particularly where other approaches have not been successful.
What are the new powers?
The changes include:
- Respect Orders: New court orders designed to tackle persistent anti-social behaviour by providing stronger powers to deal with and help protect people experiencing serious nuisance or harm.
- Housing Injunctions: Additional powers to tackle serious anti-social behaviour linked to a tenancy or a neighbourhood. These powers give agencies extra options to protect residents and communities where ASB is having a significant impact
- Injunctions for children and young people: Separate injunctions for those aged 10 to 17, with their welfare, support needs and safeguarding taken into account.
- A specific offence of cuckooing: Recognising the exploitation of vulnerable people whose homes are taken over by others, often for criminal activity.
Alongside these new powers, the legislation also places greater focus on understanding an individual's circumstances, vulnerabilities and support needs when considering enforcement action. This helps to make sure that vulnerable residents get the right support.
Support as well as enforcement
Enforcement is not always the first response to anti-social behaviour. We’ll continue to work with residents, support services and partner organisations to resolve problems as early as possible.
Early intervention, support and mediation will remain important parts of our approach. Where ASB causes serious harm or continues despite other interventions, the new powers provide us with further options to help protect residents and communities.
How you can help keep your neighbourhood safe
By working together, we can build safer, stronger communities where everyone can feel safe in their home and neighbourhood.
You can help do that by:
- Reporting ASB when it happens
- Providing information or evidence, where it’s safe to do so
- Raising concerns if a vulnerable neighbour may be at risk of exploitation
- Engaging with support services where appropriate.
How to report anti-social behaviour
If you’re experiencing anti-social behaviour or are concerned about something happening in your neighbourhood, please report it to us by:
- Calling us on 0115 746 9555
- Emailing reportasb@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
- Text REPORTASB followed by your name and message to 80800
If the incident involves a crime, report it to the police.
In an emergency (property or life is at risk) dial 999. For non-emergencies, dial 101 first, and afterwards call us on 0115 746 9555 to let us know you’ve done that.
