Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003

Part 1 — Premises where drugs used unlawfully

Interpretation

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Closure order

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Closure order: enforcement

3

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Closure of premises: offences

4

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Extension and discharge of closure order

5

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Appeals

6

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Access to other premises

7

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Reimbursement of costs

8

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Exemption from liability for certain damages

9

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Compensation

10

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Interpretation

11

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Part 2 — Housing

Anti-social behaviour: landlords' policies and procedures

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• (1) In Part 8 of the Housing Act 1996 (c. 52) before section 219 (power of Secretary of State to give directions as to certain charges by social landlords) there is inserted the following section—

(218A) (1) This section applies to the following landlords— (a) a local housing authority; (b) a housing action trust; (c) a registered social landlord. (2) The landlord must prepare— (a) a policy in relation to anti-social behaviour; (b) procedures for dealing with occurrences of anti-social behaviour. (3) The landlord must not later than 6 months after the commencement of section 12 of the Anti-social Behaviour Act 2003 publish a statement of the policy and procedures prepared under subsection (2). (4) The landlord must from time to time keep the policy and procedures under review and, when it thinks appropriate, publish a revised statement. (5) A copy of a statement published under subsection (3) or (4)— (a) must be available for inspection at all reasonable hours at the landlord’s principal office; (b) must be provided on payment of a reasonable fee to any person who requests it. (6) The landlord must also— (a) prepare a summary of its current policy and procedures; (b) provide without charge a copy of the summary to any person who requests it. (7) In preparing and reviewing the policy and procedures the landlord must have regard to guidance issued— (a) by the Secretary of State in the case of a local housing authority or a housing action trust; (b) by the Relevant Authority under section 36 in the case of a registered social landlord. (8) Anti-social behaviour is any conduct to which section 153A or 153B applies. (9) Relevant Authority has the same meaning as in Part 1.

• (2) In section 36(2) of that Act (functions of the Housing Corporation relating to guidance and corresponding functions relating to Wales) after paragraph (h) there is inserted the following paragraph—

(i) the policy and procedures a landlord is required under section 218A to prepare and from time to time revise in connection with anti-social behaviour.

Injunctions against anti-social behaviour on application of certain social landlords

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Security of tenure: anti-social behaviour

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• (1) In the Housing Act 1985 (c. 68) section 82 (which makes provision in relation to security of tenure) is amended as follows—

• (a) in subsection (1) for the words from “of the court” to the end of the subsection there is substituted “ mentioned in subsection (1A) ”;

• (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (2) After section 82 of that Act there is inserted the following section—

(82A) (1) This section applies to a secure tenancy if the landlord is— (a) a local housing authority; (b) a housing action trust; (c) a registered social landlord. (2) The landlord may apply to a county court for a demotion order. (3) A demotion order has the following effect— (a) the secure tenancy is terminated with effect from the date specified in the order; (b) if the tenant remains in occupation of the dwelling-house after that date a demoted tenancy is created with effect from that date; (c) it is a term of the demoted tenancy that any arrears of rent payable at the termination of the secure tenancy become payable under the demoted tenancy; (d) it is also a term of the demoted tenancy that any rent paid in advance or overpaid at the termination of the secure tenancy is credited to the tenant’s liability to pay rent under the demoted tenancy. (4) The court must not make a demotion order unless it is satisfied— (a) that the tenant or a person residing in or visiting the dwelling-house has engaged or has threatened to engage in conduct to which section 153A or 153B of the Housing Act 1996 (anti-social behaviour or use of premises for unlawful purposes) applies, and (b) that it is reasonable to make the order. (5) Each of the following has effect in respect of a demoted tenancy at the time it is created by virtue of an order under this section as it has effect in relation to the secure tenancy at the time it is terminated by virtue of the order— (a) the parties to the tenancy; (b) the period of the tenancy; (c) the amount of the rent; (d) the dates on which the rent is payable. (6) Subsection (5)(b) does not apply if the secure tenancy was for a fixed term and in such a case the demoted tenancy is a weekly periodic tenancy. (7) If the landlord of the demoted tenancy serves on the tenant a statement of any other express terms of the secure tenancy which are to apply to the demoted tenancy such terms are also terms of the demoted tenancy. (8) For the purposes of this section a demoted tenancy is— (a) a tenancy to which section 143A of the Housing Act 1996 applies if the landlord of the secure tenancy is a local housing authority or a housing action trust; (b) a tenancy to which section 20B of the Housing Act 1988 applies if the landlord of the secure tenancy is a registered social landlord.

• (3) Section 83 of that Act is amended as follows—

• (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• (b) in subsection (2)(b) for the words from “an order” to “tenancy” substitute “ the order ”;

• (c) after subsection (4) insert—

(4A) If the proceedings are for a demotion order under section 82A the notice— (a) must specify the date after which the proceedings may be begun; (b) ceases to be in force twelve months after the date so specified.

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• (d) in subsection (5) for “or (4)” substitute “ (4) or (4A) ”.

• (4) In the Housing Act 1988 (c. 50) after section 6 (which makes provision about fixing the terms of a statutory periodic tenancy) there is inserted the following section—

(6A) (1) This section applies to an assured tenancy if the landlord is a registered social landlord. (2) The landlord may apply to a county court for a demotion order. (3) A demotion order has the following effect— (a) the assured tenancy is terminated with effect from the date specified in the order; (b) if the tenant remains in occupation of the dwelling-house after that date a demoted tenancy is created with effect from that date; (c) it is a term of the demoted tenancy that any arrears of rent payable at the termination of the assured tenancy become payable under the demoted tenancy; (d) it is also a term of the demoted tenancy that any rent paid in advance or overpaid at the termination of the assured tenancy is credited to the tenant’s liability to pay rent under the demoted tenancy. (4) The court must not make a demotion order unless it is satisfied— (a) that the tenant or a person residing in or visiting the dwelling-house has engaged or has threatened to engage in conduct to which section 153A or 153B of the Housing Act 1996 (anti-social behaviour or use of premises for unlawful purposes) applies, and (b) that it is reasonable to make the order. (5) The court must not entertain proceedings for a demotion order unless— (a) the landlord has served on the tenant a notice under subsection (6), or (b) the court thinks it is just and equitable to dispense with the requirement of the notice. (6) The notice must— (a) give particulars of the conduct in respect of which the order is sought; (b) state that the proceedings will not begin before the date specified in the notice; (c) state that the proceedings will not begin after the end of the period of twelve months beginning with the date of service of the notice. (7) The date specified for the purposes of subsection (6)(b) must not be before the end of the period of two weeks beginning with the date of service of the notice. (8) Each of the following has effect in respect of a demoted tenancy at the time it is created by virtue of an order under this section as it has effect in relation to the assured tenancy at the time it is terminated by virtue of the order— (a) the parties to the tenancy; (b) the period of the tenancy; (c) the amount of the rent; (d) the dates on which the rent is payable. (9) Subsection (8)(b) does not apply if the assured tenancy was for a fixed term and in such a case the demoted tenancy is a weekly periodic tenancy. (10) If the landlord of the demoted tenancy serves on the tenant a statement of any other express terms of the assured tenancy which are to apply to the demoted tenancy such terms are also terms of the demoted tenancy. (11) For the purposes of this section a demoted tenancy is a tenancy to which section 20B of the Housing Act 1988 applies.

• (5) Schedule 1 amends the Housing Act 1996 (c. 52) and the Housing Act 1985 (c. 68).

Demoted assured shorthold tenancies

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• (1) In the Housing Act 1988 (c. 50) after section 20A (duty of landlord to provide statement of terms for certain tenancies) there is inserted the following section—

(20B) (1) An assured tenancy is an assured shorthold tenancy to which this section applies (a demoted assured shorthold tenancy) if— (a) the tenancy is created by virtue of an order of the court under section 82A of the Housing Act 1985 or section 6A of this Act (a demotion order), and (b) the landlord is a registered social landlord. (2) At the end of the period of one year starting with the day when the demotion order takes effect a demoted assured shorthold tenancy ceases to be an assured shorthold tenancy unless subsection (3) applies. (3) This subsection applies if before the end of the period mentioned in subsection (2) the landlord gives notice of proceedings for possession of the dwelling house. (4) If subsection (3) applies the tenancy continues to be a demoted assured shorthold tenancy until the end of the period mentioned in subsection (2) or (if later) until one of the following occurs— (a) the notice of proceedings for possession is withdrawn; (b) the proceedings are determined in favour of the tenant; (c) the period of six months beginning with the date on which the notice is given ends and no proceedings for possession have been brought. (5) Registered social landlord has the same meaning as in Part 1 of the Housing Act 1996.

• (2) In section 21 of that Act (recovery of possession on expiry or termination of assured shorthold tenancy) after subsection (5) there is inserted the following subsection—

(5A) Subsection (5) above does not apply to an assured shorthold tenancy to which section 20B (demoted assured shorthold tenancies) applies.

• (3) In Schedule 2A to that Act (assured tenancies which are not shorthold tenancies) after paragraph 5 (former secure tenancies) there is inserted the following paragraph—

(5A) An assured tenancy which ceases to be an assured shorthold tenancy by virtue of section 20B(2) or (4).

Proceedings for possession: anti-social behaviour

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• (1) In the Housing Act 1985 (c. 68) after section 85 (which extends the court’s discretion in certain proceedings for possession) there is inserted the following section—

(85A) (1) This section applies if the court is considering under section 84(2)(a) whether it is reasonable to make an order for possession on ground 2 set out in Part 1 of Schedule 2 (conduct of tenant or other person). (2) The court must consider, in particular— (a) the effect that the nuisance or annoyance has had on persons other than the person against whom the order is sought; (b) any continuing effect the nuisance or annoyance is likely to have on such persons; (c) the effect that the nuisance or annoyance would be likely to have on such persons if the conduct is repeated.

• (2) In the Housing Act 1988 (c. 50) after section 9 (which extends the court’s discretion in certain proceedings for possession) there is inserted the following section—

(9A) (1) This section applies if the court is considering under section 7(4) whether it is reasonable to make an order for possession on ground 14 set out in Part 2 of Schedule 2 (conduct of tenant or other person). (2) The court must consider, in particular— (a) the effect that the nuisance or annoyance has had on persons other than the person against whom the order is sought; (b) any continuing effect the nuisance or annoyance is likely to have on such persons; (c) the effect that the nuisance or annoyance would be likely to have on such persons if the conduct is repeated.

Devolution: Wales

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In Schedule 1 to the National Assembly for Wales (Transfer of Functions) Order 1999 (S.I. 1999/672) references to the following Acts are to be treated as references to those Acts as amended by virtue of this Part—

• (a) the Housing Act 1985;

• (b) the Housing Act 1988;

• (c) the Housing Act 1996 (c. 52).

Part 3 — Parental responsibilities

Parenting orders under the 1998 Act

Parenting orders under the 1998 Act

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• (1) Section 8 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c. 37) is amended as follows.

• (2) For subsections (4) and (5) substitute—

(4) A parenting order is an order which requires the parent— (a) to comply, for a period not exceeding twelve months, with such requirements as are specified in the order, and (b) subject to subsection (5) below, to attend, for a concurrent period not exceeding three months, such counselling or guidance programme as may be specified in directions given by the responsible officer. (5) A parenting order may, but need not, include such a requirement as is mentioned in subsection (4)(b) above in any case where a parenting order under this section or any other enactment has been made in respect of the parent on a previous occasion.

• (3) After subsection (7) insert—

(7A) A counselling or guidance programme which a parent is required to attend by virtue of subsection (4)(b) above may be or include a residential course but only if the court is satisfied— (a) that the attendance of the parent at a residential course is likely to be more effective than his attendance at a non-residential course in preventing any such repetition or, as the case may be, the commission of any such further offence, and (b) that any interference with family life which is likely to result from the attendance of the parent at a residential course is proportionate in all the circumstances.

Truancy and misbehaviour at school

Parenting contracts in cases of exclusion from school or truancy

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• (1) This section applies where a pupil has been excluded on disciplinary grounds from a relevant school for a fixed period or permanently.

• (1A) This section also applies where a local authority or the governing body of a relevant school have reason to believe that a child who is a registered pupil at a relevant school has engaged in behaviour connected with the school which—

• (a) has caused, or is likely to cause—

• (i) significant disruption to the education of other pupils, or

• (ii) significant detriment to the welfare of the child himself or of other pupils or to the health or safety of any staff, or

• (b) forms part of a pattern of behaviour which (if continued) will give rise to a risk of future exclusion from the school on disciplinary grounds.

• (1B) For the purposes of subsection (1A) the child's behaviour is connected with the school to the extent that it consists of—

• (a) conduct at the school, or

• (b) conduct elsewhere in circumstances in which it would be reasonable for the school to regulate his conduct.

• (2) This section also applies where a child of compulsory school age has failed to attend regularly at —

• (a) a relevant school at which he is a registered pupil,

• (b) any place at which education is provided for him in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) or (1A) of section 444ZA of the Education Act 1996, and

• (c) any place at which he is required to attend in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1B) or (2) of that section.

• (3) A local authority or the governing body of a relevant school may enter into a parenting contract with a parent of the pupil or child.

• (4) A parenting contract is a document which contains—

• (a) a statement by the parent that he agrees to comply with such requirements as may be specified in the document for such period as may be so specified, and

• (b) a statement by the local authority or governing body that it agrees to provide support to the parent for the purpose of complying with those requirements.

• (5) The requirements mentioned in subsection (4) may include (in particular) a requirement to attend a counselling or guidance programme.

• (6) The purpose of the requirements mentioned in subsection (4)—

• (a) in a case falling within subsection (1) or (1A), is to improve the behaviour of the pupil,

• (b) in a case falling within subsection (2), is to ensure that the child attends regularly at the relevant school at which he is a registered pupil.

• (7) A parenting contract must be signed by the parent and signed on behalf of the local authority or governing body.

• (8) A parenting contract does not create any obligations in respect of whose breach any liability arises in contract or in tort.