Crime Solicitors

Plans to reform anti-social behavioural laws and replace ASBOs with a new injunction have been criticised by a council leader that believes the changes will make it even harder to protect the public from consistent offenders.

Southampton City Council leader, Simon Letts is the latest prominent figure to speak out against the plans by the government to replace Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ABSOs) with a Prevent Nuisance and Annoyance (IPNA) injunction as police will no longer be able to arrest those that breach the pending new punishment immediately.

“It will be a backward step to remove this clear, specific cause of action,” Cllr Letts said. “It will make it harder and more expensive to get the outcome that the public wants – which is that, when people cause a nuisance, something is done about that quickly. We know that ASBOs are breached 50 per cent of the time. Westminster City Council is keen to put pressure on ministers about this – and so am I.”

Critics believe the proposed changes will make it very difficult to act decisively and crack down on the individuals that cause misery for community members. As it stands, the proposed injunction will result in local authorities having to apply to court for an appropriate arrest warrant, increasing the amount of time it takes for any necessary action against those breaking the terms of an IPNA.

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