Guidance

Plan for Neighbourhoods: list of powers

Published 4 March 2025

The Plan for Neighbourhoods brings together residents, business leaders, and community leaders to begin to fix the foundations and take back control of their futures. To do this, places need to make the most of all the powers and tools they have available. 

As part of designing a regeneration plan, we expect all Neighbourhood Boards, supported by their local authority, to demonstrate how they are using powers, where they apply.  

The list covers England and partially covers Wales. It does not extend to Scotland or Northern Ireland.  

Full lists of powers for towns in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland will be published in due course.

Regeneration and high streets

Asset of Community Value

The Assets of Community Value (ACV) scheme can be found in the Localism Act 2011. Under the ACV scheme, parish councils and community organisations may nominate land or buildings to their district or unitary council. These nominations will then be considered by the local authority. If its principal use furthers the social wellbeing and interests of the local community, the local authority can register it as an “Asset of Community Value”. A moratorium period is applied when a listed asset is put up for sale, allowing community organisations time to put together a bid to buy it and protect it for community use. There is currently no community right to buy the asset, just to bid - this is called the Community Right to Bid. Boards can work with local authorities to explore how it might be used to protect local assets.  

The government will be introducing a strengthened Right to Buy for community assets through the English Devolution Bill in 2025. More details will be provided in due course.

Neighbourhood Development Plan or a Neighbourhood Development Order

Neighbourhood planning gives communities the direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. Communities can choose to set planning policies through a neighbourhood plan that forms part of the development plan used in determining planning applications. They can also grant planning permission through Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders for specific development which complies with the order.

Further information on neighbourhood planning is available.

Local Listed Building Consent Orders

Local Listed Building Consent Orders enable local authorities to grant listed building consent for works of any description for the alteration or extension (but not demolition) of listed buildings in their area. They remove the need for individual applications. They can be used, for example, to grant consent for energy efficiency measures such as solar panels on listed buildings.

For more information, refer to Historic England’s guidance on Drawing up a Local Listed Building Consent Order.

Duty to preserve and enhance conservation areas

Local planning authorities have a duty to periodically develop proposals aimed at preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of their conservation areas, and to present these proposals at a public meeting in the local area.

For more information, refer to Historic England’s guidance on Conservation Area Appraisal, Designation and Management.

Local Listing

Local planning authorities can identify locally important heritage assets (known as non-designated heritage assets) in their area. Local planning authorities are encouraged to prepare local lists of non-designated heritage assets. While non-designated heritage assets, including those that are locally listed, do not have any additional statutory protections they should be taken into account in planning decisions. Local planning authorities should think about the role locally listing assets could play in protecting heritage, working with Neighbourhood Boards to do so.

For more information, refer to Historic England’s guidance on Identifying and Conserving Local Heritage.

Section 78 of the Building Act 1984

Section 78 of the Building Act 1984 relates to emergency measures for dealing with dangerous buildings.  However, before exercising these powers, the local authority must notify both the owner and the occupier of the building about their intentions.

For more information, refer to Historic England’s Guide to Enforcement Action to Save Historic Buildings.

Repairs Notice

Historic buildings that have fallen into disrepair can fuel a sense of decline, even where their condition is the responsibility of a single negligent owner. Local authorities have powers to take action where a designated heritage asset has deteriorated to the extent that its preservation may be at risk.

Further information on these powers is set out within the government’s published guidance on the upkeep and repair of historic buildings.

Local Development Orders

Local Development Orders provide planning permission for specified types of development, in defined locations. They are flexible and locally determined tools that Local Planning Authorities use to help accelerate and incentivise the delivery of appropriate development in the right places and make investment more attractive.

Use classes and permitted development rights

The Commercial, Business and Service use class (Class E) includes a diverse range of uses which are suitable for town centres and high streets, such as offices, shops, banks, cafes, and gyms, for example.  The use class allows for a mix of such uses, including at different times of the day, to reflect changing retail and business models. Movement within the use class does not require planning permission.  

There are also national permitted development rights that allow householders or business to improve or extend their homes or businesses without the need to submit a planning application, subject to various conditions and limitations to mitigate impacts.  

An additional permitted development right provides for the change of use from Class E to residential use, subject to prior approval by the local planning authority.

Clean Up Notices

The Town and Country Planning Act contains a Clean Up Notice power that boards might use. Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 provides a local planning authority with the power, in certain circumstances, to take steps requiring land to be cleaned up when its condition adversely affects the amenity of the area.

More information can be found in the government’s Town and Country Planning Act 1990 Section 215 Best Practice Guidance.

Debt on vacant property

The Law of Property Act 1925 allows a local authority with a debt on a vacant property to register the debt as a charge, registered in Part 2 of the Local Land Charges Register. By using this charge local authorities can sell problematic long-term vacant properties, including those blighting communities, to get them back into active use once again.

Design Codes

A place-led approach to planning and the application of design guidance, masterplans and design codes in England can provide property owners, developers and investors with clarity on the requirements new developments must meet. These tools are essential for securing investment, avoiding delay and assuring local communities that new developments adhere to established standards and preserve local character. With the implementation of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act (LURA) 2023, authorities will gain the ability to adopt design codes as supplementary plans. Design codes do not have to cover every detail of design but can be focused on aspects that are considered necessary for achieving acceptability and where a parameter can be established.

Case study: Newport and Ryde Commercial Frontage Design Guide (Isle of Wight)

The Newport and Ryde Commercial Frontages Design Guide was introduced to help protect and enhance the historic character of these town centres while supporting their regeneration. The guide provides clear standards for commercial properties, focusing on preserving historic features and offering guidance on adapting buildings for new uses while maintaining a cohesive and attractive appearance. It is part of the High Street Heritage Action Zones initiative, designed to make Newport and Ryde more appealing and vibrant, fostering the growth of independent shops and creating welcoming spaces for visitors. The guide aims to ensure that both town centres remain relevant and inviting for future generations, supporting local businesses and tourism.

New-style supplementary plans (once introduced through the LURA 2023)

New-style Supplementary Plans, once introduced through the LURA 2023, will offer  planning authorities a more flexible approach to responding to unexpected changes in their area, independent of the local plan preparation process.

Fly tipping

The government has committed to force fly-tippers and vandals to clear up the mess they have created and is currently assessing options for delivering this. Further detail will be shared in due course. 

The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) 1990 empowers local authorities to issue fixed penalty notices, including fines of up to £1000 for fly-tipping, £600 for householders who pass waste to an unlicensed carrier, and £500 for littering and graffiti. Councils also have the authority to stop, search and seize vehicles of suspected fly-tippers.

The National Fly-Tipping Prevention Group, chaired by Defra, works with councils, agencies and other organisations to promote good practice. Their website offers practical guides on key areas such as prosecutions and partnership working, and a range of case studies to share lessons learnt from local initiatives.

The Code of Practice on Litter and Refuse sets out statutory standards for keeping land clear of litter and refuse. Defra has also published litter enforcement guidance for councils and others on the use of their fixed penalty powers for littering (‘Code of practice on litter and refuse part 1A: enforcement guidance’ in the link provided).

Pavement licences

In England, local authorities and Boards can encourage businesses to apply for pavement licences. These allow furniture to be placed outside the premises, for the purpose of consumption or sale of food and drink, creating outdoor dining spaces. The temporary pavement licencing regime was made permanent in March 2024 through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023.

Read the guidance about pavement licences.

Business Improvement Districts (BID)

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a designated area, created through a ballot process, where local businesses have voted in favour of investing in improving their trading environment. In these districts, eligible business rate payers are required to pay an additional levy on top of their business rates bill to fund projects and services that will benefit businesses in that area.  

There are no restrictions on the types of projects or services that can be implemented through a BID. The only requirement is that it should be something that is in addition to services provided by local authorities. Improvements may include, but are not limited to, extra safety and security, cleansing and environmental measures. There are currently more than 330 BIDs across the UK.

High Street Rental Auctions (HSRA)

High Street Rental Auctions (HSRA) are a new power for local authorities in England, introduced through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 (LURA). The power came into force on 2 December 2024 and is supported by detailed guidance, packs and templates to assist local authorities with implementation. HSRAs offer a strategic solution to combat long-term commercial vacancies in town centres to bring them back into use, or risk having the lease auctioned by the local authority.  

HSRAs empower local authorities to address high vacancy rates and improve the perception and utility of high streets. They encourage collaboration with landlords and promote minimum letting standards and open market rents. By bringing unused properties back into active use, HSRAs make tenancies more accessible for small businesses and community groups, revitalising town centres and boosting local economies.  

While HSRAs are a useful tool, they will not be appropriate in all cases. Local authorities must ensure properties meet the vacancy and local benefit conditions outlined in the legislation. Authorities should prioritise working with proactive landlords and assess whether HSRAs are the best approach compared to alternative solutions. Premises with significant repair issues or complex redevelopment plans may fall outside the scope of HSRAs.

Box blight (removing surplus, ugly and nuisance phone boxes)

On page 22 of the General Permitted Development Order 1995 and 2015, phone boxes erected under permitted development rights since 1995 have been done so under condition that they be removed ‘as soon as reasonably practicable after they are no longer required for telecommunication purposes.’ 

Once a phone box is proven not to be in use, therefore, enforcement action can be taken if the local planning authority considers such action appropriate.  Local planning authorities have 3 powers they can use: 

• issue a ‘planning enforcement notice’ under Section 172 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 – there is a right of appeal to the Secretary of State and the decision may be capable of challenge through the Courts, the time for compliance is set out in the notice and failure to comply is an offence which on conviction can attract an unlimited fine 
• issue a ‘breach of condition notice’ pursuant to Section 187A of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 - it offers no opportunity for appeal to the Secretary of State,  but may be capable of challenge through the courts; once a notice has been served the recipient has at least 28 days to comply, failure to do so is a criminal offence which on conviction can attract an unlimited fine 
• apply for an injunction under Section 187B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 – under these provisions the council can apply for the County Court or High Court to grant an injunction against any breach of planning control

Creation of new footpaths

The Highways Act 1980, section 26 gives local authorities to power to create public footpaths, where it would add to the convenience or enjoyment of a substantial section of the public or of local residents. It will need to take into account the effect that the creation would have on the rights of those with an interest in the land, taking into account the provisions for compensation.

Community Infrastructure Levy

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge that can be levied by local authorities on new development in their area. It can be used to fund a wide range of infrastructure to support the development on an area. This could include transport, schools, hospitals and green spaces. 162 (52%) local authorities currently charge CIL in England. 

Where all or part of a chargeable development is within the area of a parish council, the charging authority must pass a proportion of the CIL receipts from the development to the parish council. This is known as the neighbourhood portion. Communities without a parish council can still benefit from the neighbourhood portion. If there is no parish council, the charging authority will retain the CIL receipts but should engage with the communities where development has taken place and agree with them how best to spend the neighbourhood funding.

Housing

Section 1 Localism Act 2011

The General Power of Competence (Section 1, Localism Act, 2011) enables local authorities to provide shelter and support to people who are ineligible for statutory accommodation under the Housing Act 1996 or access to public funds because of their immigration status. This power cannot be used to provide a service equivalent to statutory support through alternative avenues. The General Power of Competence under Section 1 of the Localism Act 2011 provides a discretionary power to local authorities to do “anything that individuals generally may do”. Local authorities, however, cannot use the power to do anything that it is specifically legislatively prohibited, restricted or limited.

Council tax premiums (empty home management)

Local authorities can charge a 100% council tax premium for properties unoccupied and unfurnished for 12 months, up to 200% extra on properties that have been left empty and unfurnished for 5 years, and up to 300% extra on properties left empty for 10 years. The premium is intended to encourage homeowners to bring their properties back into use.

Enforced sale procedures (empty home management)

An enforced sale is a process by which the  local authority can force the sale of a privately owned property or piece of land where a ‘relevant debt’ is owed to the local authority. Through this process, local authorities can take on empty homes, carry out works in default, and sell them on to new owners - putting the homes back into use. The council can then recoup the costs of the works, other expenses, and debts owed from the sale proceeds.

Brownfield passport (empty home management)

The government has signalled its intention to introduce a ‘brownfield passport’ to ensure where proposals meet specified design and quality standards, the default answer is yes. The brownfield passport working paper sets out proposals for empowering local authorities to have a wider use of Local Development Orders to grant upfront planning permission across all or part of an authority’s area to all developments that meet specified design and quality standards. This would streamline planning processes for much larger and broader areas for developers and enable building on brownfield to take place quickly on a much bigger scale.

Brownfield land registers

Local planning authorities are able to grant permission in principle for residential development on (brownfield) sites in Part 2 of their Brownfield Land  registers where they follow the required procedures. Permission in principle establishes the principles of development (use, location, amount of development) for the brownfield site giving developers/applicants more certainty. A developer cannot proceed with development, however, until they have also obtained technical details consent.

Defective premises, dangerous buildings, ruinous and dilapidated buildings, neglected sites, and emergency measures  (Building Act 1984, Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, Housing Act 2004)

For premises that have deteriorated and pose a risk, sections 76, 77, 78 and 79 of the Building Act 1984 create powers for local authorities to approach the courts and/or require building owners to restrict use and/or take action to secure them for public safety.  If there is an imminent risk to public safety, local authorities can take immediate action to remove the danger and recover expenses incurred from the building owner.  

Similarly, section 29 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 can be used by local authorities to require an owner of a property to take steps to secure a property or allow the authority to board it up in an emergency. 

Part 1 of the Housing Act 2004 relates to housing conditions. Local authorities must take enforcement action under the 2004 Act if they identify health and safety hazards at the most dangerous ‘category 1’ level using the Housing, Health and Safety Rating System risk assessment tool. The Housing Act 2004 and the housing health and safety rating system apply to all tenures, but local authorities rarely use their powers in owner-occupied homes and usually prioritise enforcement in the private rented sector over social housing.

Private sewers and drainage (domestic buildings)

Under section 35 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, local authorities can require a property owner to address obstructed private sewers. This will enable proper drainage, removing health-hazardous waste from overflowing or remaining stagnant. 

Section 59 of the Building Act 1984 and Section 17 of the Public Health Act 1961 can be used by local authorities to require a property owner to address defective or blocked drainage.

Compulsory Purchase Power – Section 226

Section 226 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 provides local authorities in England and Wales with a compulsory purchase power to acquire land or properties to facilitate development, redevelopment or regeneration schemes provided there is compelling case in the public interest for use of the power and attempts have been made to acquire land or properties by agreement.

Compulsory purchase powers case study

Number 335 High Street in Swanage, a Victorian mid-terrace property, had remained derelict for over 18 years before the council used a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire it. This action resolved a longstanding issue of blight in the local area, transforming an eyesore into a functional asset. The acquisition significantly improved the property’s condition and appearance, reduced anti-social behaviour in the vicinity, and prevented further damage to neighbouring buildings. Following its redevelopment, the property now provides essential self-contained temporary housing for households in the Purbeck District, addressing both housing needs and enhancing community well-being.

Compulsory Purchase Power – Section 17

Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 grants local authorities in England and Wales the compulsory purchase power to acquire land, houses or other properties for the provision of housing accommodation, provided there is compelling case in the public interest for use of the power. The acquisition must result in either a quantitative or qualitative improvement in housing.

Empty Dwelling Management Orders

The Housing Act 2004 introduced a power for local housing authorities to take over management control of a qualifying residential property, known as Empty Dwelling Management Orders (EDMOs).  

Local authorities can apply for an EDMO when a property has been empty for more than 2 years, subject to demonstrating that the property has been causing a nuisance and that the community support the proposal. EDMOs enable local authorities to take over the management of a property for up to 7 years and let it out to tenants.

Work, productivity and skills

Inclusive economy

Local authorities can help create a fair and prosperous local economy by: 

• developing an inclusive economy charter 
• creating a fair employment charter 
• signing the ‘Councils for a fair tax’ declaration 
• become Living Wage accredited 
• signing the modern slavery charter

Cohesion

Well-being power

The well-being power is a legislative tool that was introduced through the Local Government Act 2000. It grants local authorities a general power to do anything that they consider likely to promote or improve the economic, social, or environmental well-being of their communities. This power is broad and flexible, enabling councils to take a wide range of actions beyond their traditional duties.

Co-operative placemaking

Placemaking is not just about physical assets and spaces, it is also about people and relationships, and the collective action that they take to improve the place they live. Boards can work with their local authorities to promote co-operative placemaking - suggested actions from the Co-operative Councils Innovation Network include:

• develop a cooperative development strategy
• establish a cooperative development network
• commit to community engagement in local decision making including participatory budgeting
• have an asset transfer policy to manage land and assets to support community ownership, management and development (including community-led housing)

More examples and further information can be found on Cooperative Councils’ Innovation Network website.

Village Green status

Town and village greens developed under customary law are areas of land where local people engaged in lawful sports and pastimes. These might include organised or ad-hoc games, picnics, fetes, and similar activities. Most greens were registered in the late 1960s under the Commons Registration Act 1965. Provided the right to apply has not been excluded, anyone can apply under section 15(1) of the Commons Act 2006 to register land as a green if it has been used by local people for lawful sports and pastimes ‘as of right’ (i.e. without permission, force or secrecy) for at least 20 years.

Community Asset Transfer (General Disposal of Consent)

Community Asset Transfer (General Disposal of Consent) is a mechanism that can be used to enable community ownership of assets, including buildings and land. Local authorities can transfer the ownership of these assets to community organisations at ‘less than best consideration’ i.e. for less than their full market value. This process is complex and can take some time, but it can be an effective way of increasing community empowerment. Boards should explore with local authorities whether this is a suitable route for taking ownership of their community assets.

Health and wellbeing

Planning policy

Good planning should enable and support healthy lives, through both promoting good health and preventing ill-health, especially where this would address identified local health and well-being needs and reduce health inequalities between the most and least deprived communities. Local planning authorities can develop local planning policies and guidance to support local strategies to improve health and wellbeing.  

Many local authorities have introduced local plans and supplementary guidance to support healthier lives based on guidance from Royal Society for Public Health and Public Health England. 

In addition to this, the National Institute for Health and Care Research funded a report for local authorities and was published September 2024. This report sets out key considerations when implementing a policy for hot food takeaways and provides useful case studies and evidence.

Case study: TCPA Framework for a Healthy Places Supplementary Planning Document

The TCPA Framework for a Healthy Places Supplementary Planning Document offers a structured approach for local authorities to embed health considerations into urban planning. It focuses on promoting well-being through better access to green spaces, active travel networks, and housing that supports healthy living. Developed in collaboration with councils across England, the framework highlights the use of public health data to guide decision-making and ensures health and well-being are prioritised in spatial planning. This initiative aims to create environments conducive to healthier lifestyles and improve long-term community outcomes​.

Case study: Cardiff Council’s Planning for Health and Well-being Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG)

Cardiff Council’s Planning for Health and Well-being SPG provides a localised approach to integrating health into urban design and development. The SPG emphasises community-focused elements such as safe walking and cycling routes, green spaces, and facilities that encourage physical activity and social interaction. By aligning planning policy with public health objectives, the guidance seeks to foster healthier, more connected neighbourhoods, demonstrating the council’s commitment to well-being as a core planning consideration​.

Transport

Street Scars

The Department for Transport issues statutory guidance (Specification for the Reinstatement of Openings in the Highway) which sets standards for reinstatements following street works by utility companies. 

Local authorities have powers to inspect a sample of reinstatements for compliance with standards.  A performance-based inspections regime in 2023 was introduced which means those with high defect rates are inspected more than those who comply with standards and must pay for more inspections. Local authorities can require utilities to repair any defects and can then charge for follow up inspections. Local authorities have powers to repair defects themselves and re-charge to cost to utilities. 

Under section 70 of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, local authorities can issue a fine of up to £2,500, or fixed penalty notices, for late registration of reinstatement notices, which trigger inspections.  If a utility company fails to permanently reinstate the street within six months of their interim reinstatement, unlimited fines could be pursued via a Magistrate’s Court. Local authorities can set additional standards requiring, for example, a particular stone to be used in heritage areas. Sometimes, temporary reinstatements are put in place to re-open highways to traffic or whilst waiting for other materials. These standards, inspections and penalties do not apply to works carried out by local authorities but can be applied voluntarily.

Local traffic authorities

Local highway and traffic authorities are responsible for managing their road network to benefit all users, including pedestrians (defined to include anyone using a mobility aid). Street design should aim to create a pleasant and inviting environment. Such environments, which encourage people to spend time and linger, have been shown to generate economic benefits and contribute to growth. 

Measures that local highway and traffic authorities can take include, but are not limited to: 

• ensuring footways are sufficiently wide to accommodate everyone, particularly disabled people, and to meet expected demand 
• providing appropriately placed crossing points with accessibility features such as dropped kerbs and tactile paving 
• enhancing the pedestrian environment through measures like planting, street art and the use of visually appealing materials 
• offering adequate seating, shelter and other amenities to allow people to rest, enjoy the space and move around safely and accessibly 
• positioning fixed street furniture such as litter bins and electric vehicle charge points, so they do not obstruct footways or reduce their width below the recommended minimum 
• ensuring moveable street furniture such as advertising boards and café furniture is placed considerately, with action taken where obstructions occur 
• maintaining footways to ensure they are level, free of trip hazards, cleared of litter, and gritted in cold weather 

Local authorities have powers to alter road layouts, including footways, through various pieces of legislation including the Highways Act 1980, the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, and the Traffic Management Act 2004. 

A variety of good practice guidance is available to support local authorities. Manual for Streets and Manual for Streets 2 outline principles of street design that prioritise the needs of pedestrians and wheelchair users. Inclusive Mobility sets recommendations on minimum footways widths. Local authorities must also ensure that road changes comply with equalities legislation, particularly the Public Sector Equality Duty set out in the Equality Act 2010. 

Local authorities are reminded that the pause on shared space designs incorporating a level surface, announced in the Inclusive Transport Strategy, remains in place. Level surfaces remove the kerb distinction between footways and carriageways, which can create difficulties for visually impaired individuals trying to navigate independently and safely.

Active Travel toolkit

Local authorities play an important role in increasing walking and cycling in communities. Through influencing planning and taking a strategic view of travel infrastructure across their community, authorities can ensure that active travel infrastructure connects residents to services.   

Local authorities are expected to produce Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans that identify city and town-wide networks and development of priority schemes to enable access to services, employment and education facilities.

The government has published toolkits and design assurance tools for local authorities:

• Active travel: local authority toolkit
• Active Travel England scheme design and review tools

Safety and security

Respect Orders

We will crack down on those making neighbourhoods feel unsafe and unwelcoming by introducing the new Respect Order, which will carry tough sanctions and penalties for persistent adult offenders. 

Respect Orders will be behavioural orders, issued by the civil courts. They will enable courts to ban adult offenders from engaging in specific anti-social behaviours, such as drinking in town centres, but can also compel adult perpetrators to take action to address the root cause of their behaviour.  

Failure to comply with Respect Orders will be a criminal offence. Police will have the ability to immediately arrest anybody who is breaching their Respect Order.

Bus Services (No.2) Bill

The government is proposing to grant new powers to local authorities in England, through which they can enforce against anti-social behaviour and fare evasion on the bus network. Updates will be made in due course.

Anti-social behaviour on public transport

Section 6 of The Public Service Vehicles Regulations 1990 states that passengers on a vehicle are not allowed to play music or use sound equipment in a way that causes annoyance to others. They also must not intentionally interfere with any equipment fitted to the vehicle.

Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014

The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 includes a number of levers that Neighbourhood Boards can use in designing their plan: 

• Public Space Protection Orders enable local authorities to deal with a particular nuisance in a defined public space, where the nuisance is negatively impacting the quality of life of those in that space 
• A civil injunction is a civil court order that orders one or more parties to carry out or refrain from doing a specific act or acts – these are protective measures to protect someone against harm, preserve or prevent the loss of an asset, business or personal interesting and prevent damage to reputation 
• Community Protection Notices can be used by local authorities, policy or social landlords to stop a person aged 16 or over, business or organisation committing anti-social behaviour which spoils the community’s quality of life 
• Closure Notices prohibit access to the premises for a period of time and can be used to close premises that are causing antisocial behaviour – this could include a nuisance to members of the public or disorder relating to the premises and in its vicinity 
• Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBO) can provide long term relief for communities, including business communities, from the debilitating impact of anti-social behaviour – the prohibitions within the CBO tackle the specific anti-social behaviour shown by the offender, or groups of offenders 
• Anti-social Behaviour Case Review gives victims of persistent antisocial behaviour reported to any of the main responsible agencies (such as the council, police, housing provider) the right to request a multi-agency case review where a locally set thresholds are met 
• Community Remedies enable victims of low-level crime and anti-social behaviour to have a greater say in how offenders should be held account for their actions 
• Fixed Penalty Notices for disorder deal with low-level antisocial behaviour (for example, littering, spitting or fly-posting, quickly and efficiently) and can be on the spot or by post, by the police or council

Licensing Act 2003

The Licensing Act 2003 provides licensing authorities in England and Wales with a framework for making decisions about applications by businesses and individuals wishing to sell or supply alcohol, provide late night refreshment or provide regulated entertainment.  

There are 4 licensing objectives that licensing authorities must consider when making decisions:  

• the prevention of crime and disorder 
• public safety 
• the prevention of public nuisance 
• the protection of children from harm 

If a particular premises fails to promote these objectives, licensing authorities can refuse an application, or review or amend a licence.  

Licensing is an important element of a multiagency approach that ensures that local night-time economies are well managed and thriving.  

Statutory guidance (or the Section 182 guidance) is available to assist licensing authorities to carry out of their functions under the Act. This guidance promotes best practice and helps to ensure consistent application of licensing powers across England and Wales.

Further guidance is available from the Local Government Association:

• Licensing Act 2003 Councillor’s handbook (England and Wales)
• Approaches to managing the night-time economy

Gambling Act 2005

The Gambling Act provides licensing authorities with a wide range of powers to assess and set out the risks in their local areas as well as the ability to attach conditions to premises licences to manage these risks. The intent of the Gambling Act 2005 is to provide licensing authorities with the ability to manage local risks and make decisions using local knowledge. At the same time, it is also important that the ways licensing authorities approach local considerations across the country are consistent and follow the same framework principles. 

Licensing authorities have discretion to regulate local provision of gambling and the Act gives wide-ranging powers to do so. Those include the power: 

• to issue a statement of licensing policy, setting expectations about how gambling will be regulated in a particular area 
• to grant, refuse and attach conditions to premises licences 
• to review premises licences and attach conditions or revoke them as a result. 

The policy statement is an opportunity for a licensing authority to identify and address gambling-related harms in its area and publish specific objectives for a locality. These objectives can inform decisions and actions, such as attaching conditions to premises licences and requiring applicants to provide certain information as part of their application, such as proximity to sensitive locations or vulnerable communities.

More information can be found on the Gambling Commission’s website.

Business Crime Reduction Partnership

Business Crime Reduction Partnerships (BCRPs) facilitate work between local businesses and police in a defined public area, for example a town centre to tackle and reduce crime affecting businesses. They work with police and local authorities; and are typically managed by a dedicated individual and funded by local businesses who then act as members of the Partnership, either as part of a wider Business Improvement District (BID) or run independently. We encourage Neighbourhood Boards to work with retailers to encourage them to join their local BCRP or BID to support local community efforts to reduce crimes.

Case study: Bristol’s Business Crime Reduction Partnership

The Bristol Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) operates across several Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), including Bristol City Centre, Broadmead, and Redcliffe and Temple. It brings together local businesses, the police, and Bristol City Council to collaboratively address crime-related issues affecting the local economy. One of the key tools used by the BCRP is the intelligence-sharing platform “Disc,” which allows businesses, the police, and the council to share information on criminal activities in real-time. This system enhances communication and ensures a more coordinated response to issues such as shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.

The partnership not only focuses on improving security through better information-sharing but also fosters stronger relationships between local businesses and authorities. This improved cooperation helps businesses feel more secure, contributing to a safer environment for both customers and staff. Additionally, monthly crime reduction meetings provide an opportunity for businesses to share insights, discuss concerns, and receive updates on crime trends, which supports ongoing crime prevention efforts.

Education and opportunity

Prevention partnerships and Youth Futures hubs

Too many children and young people today are facing poorer life outcomes because they are not effectively identified and supported. This can be caused by limited access to the same opportunities as their peers or because they have increasing levels of vulnerability, all of which can lead to them suffering from poor mental health and facing an increased risk of being drawn into crime.  

The government has committed to the creation of a new Young Futures Programme, which will establish a network of Young Futures Hubs and Young Futures Prevention Partnerships, to intervene earlier to ensure this cohort is identified and offered support in a more systematic way, as well as creating more opportunities for young people in their communities, through the provision of open access to mental health and careers support.   

The government will work with national and local partners, including local communities, to design and deliver the Young Futures Programme to reduce the risk of crime, and where there is work ongoing in the 75 communities Neighbourhood Boards should consider what role they could play as part of that.