Departments of Justice and Communities launch anti-social behaviour consultation

The Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Department for Communities (DfC) have launched a joint public consultation on potential amendments to the legislative framework aimed at ensuring the relevant authorities have effective and proportionate powers in place to deal with anti social behaviour (ASB).

The public consultation will consider the following areas:

• Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) (DoJ)
• Drinking in Public (DoJ & DfC)
• Injunctions Against Anti-Social Behaviour (DfC); and
• Absolute Grounds for Possession in social housing (DfC)

Finalisation of policy and any subsequent legislative proposals following the consultation would require ministerial approval, however, this consultation will offer an opportunity for stakeholders to shape how we tackle ASB in Northern Ireland and allow this important work to progress.

The consultation will run from 28 November to 4 March 2024.

Those with an interest in helping tackle ASB are encouraged to share their views. To respond via this website visit at our publication section or alternatively via Citizenspace

Notes to editors: 

1. DoJ are leading on considerations of the provisions within the Anti-Social Behaviour (Northern Ireland) Order 2004  (legislation governing ASBOs), and are working collaboratively with DfC to address the issue of drinking in public, including reviewing the un-commenced provisions of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008. 

2. DfC has identified two topics for future legislation: Injunctions Against Anti-Social Behaviour and Absolute Grounds for Possession in social housing.  DfC aims to bring forward a Housing Bill that would amend the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (in respect of injunctions against ASB) and the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 (in respect of grounds for possession).

3.  Media enquiries via Email or for Communities NI press office at Email 

4.  The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted out of hours 028 9037 8110.

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