Significant Regulatory Update for ASB Practitioners – CLOSURE POWERS

Yesterday an important amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill was agreed in the House of Lords tabled by Baroness Buscombe.

The change relates to closure powers under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 and represents a substantial shift in how these powers may be used. The amendment proposes the following changes:

🏠Closure notices may now remain in force for up to 7 days (currently 48 hours).

🏠Closure orders issued by the court may last up to 12 months (currently for an initial 3 month period).

🏠Courts may extend closure orders for a further 12 months, and crucially there would be no maximum overall duration.

For context, under the current framework closure orders typically run 3 months initially and may be extended to a maximum of 6 months. If enacted, this amendment would significantly expand the potential duration of closure powers available to agencies responding to serious and persistent anti-social behaviour.

The amendment passed with 215 votes in favour and 180 against.

For housing providers, community safety teams and policing partners, this is a development that could affect our roles significantly. If it progresses through the legislative process, it could materially change how closure powers are deployed as part of the wider ASB toolkit.

We will continue to monitor the Crime and Policing Bill as it progresses through Parliament and share further updates as they emerge.

You can read the parliamentary debate here:
https://share.google/8zR4s2GOUYc8CoOtj