New Respect Orders and Youth Housing Injunctions: A Comprehensive Overview

Anti-social behaviour injunctions, previously governed by Part 1 of the Antisocial Behaviour Crime and Policy Act 2014, have now been superseded by a new framework comprising Respect Orders, youth injunctions, and housing injunctions. This revised approach aims to bolster the existing anti-social behaviour injunction system and introduces enhanced powers, including the classification of breaching an order as a criminal offence. Youth injunctions and housing injunctions will continue to address anti-social behaviour related to minors and housing disputes, respectively.

Availability of Legal Aid

In line with the previous Part 1 Injunctions, updated guidance confirms that civil legal aid will be accessible for the application of Respect Orders, youth injunctions, and housing injunctions. Additionally, criminal legal aid will be available for breaches of these orders, ensuring comprehensive legal support in matters of anti-social behaviour.

For civil legal aid, providers are advised to utilise the existing codes associated with Part 1 Injunctions when dealing with Respect Orders, housing injunctions, and youth injunctions. For legal help, the relevant codes are:

• Type 1 code XASB and fee code MISCASBI for cases funded as miscellaneous work under the civil contract.
• Stage reached code ASAS and fee code ASAS for work claimed as associated civil work under the crime contract.

For legal representation, the following codes apply:

• Proceeding codes NU027/NU028 for civil providers.
• Proceeding code CR034/CR035 for crime providers engaged in this work as associated civil work.

The intention is to ensure that civil legal aid for Respect Orders, youth injunctions, and housing injunctions is compensated on par with the rates applicable to Part 1 Injunctions. Specifically, legal help will incur a fixed fee of £157, while legal representation will adhere to the rates stipulated in Table 10(a) of Schedule 1 of the Civil Legal Aid (Remuneration) Regulations 2013.

Implementation Timeline for Respect Orders

While the new rates will automatically apply to housing injunctions and youth injunctions, the implementation of these rates for Respect Orders is still pending. Subject to parliamentary approval, legislation to ensure that Respect Orders are remunerated at these rates is anticipated to come into effect on 17 December 2026. Consequently, it is crucial for providers to ensure that any claims or bills for Respect Orders are submitted after this date using the specified codes to guarantee appropriate payment for their services.

Criminal Legal Aid Guidelines

Providers are reminded to continue using the relevant PROV fee code for breaches of youth injunctions, housing injunctions, and Part 1 injunctions that were established before 26 October 2026. In the case of Respect Orders, it is essential to utilise the appropriate undesignated area/designated area standard fee code rather than a PROV fee code, as breaches of Respect Orders are classified as a criminal offence. Claims related to breaches can be submitted from 26 October 2026 onwards.

Providers are encouraged to consult the updated guidance regarding claims for legal aid pertaining to Respect Orders, housing injunctions, and youth injunctions in the Submit a Bulk Claim and CCMS systems, ensuring adherence to the latest regulations.

Resources for Further Guidance

Several resources have been updated to reflect the changes regarding Respect Orders, youth injunctions, and housing injunctions. Key guidance includes:

• Guidance for Reporting Legal Help and Mediation Work on SABC available through Submit a Bulk Claim.
• Guidance on Proceeding Codes.
• The 2025 Standard Crime Contract Standard Terms, Specification and Tables of Amendments.
• Guidance on applying for legal aid for breaches of anti-social behaviour injunctions.
• The Criminal Bills Assessment Manual.
• The Criminal Legal Aid Manual.
• Guidance for Reporting Crime Lower Work and the associated changes in this area.

For additional information, further details can be accessed regarding the launch of Respect Orders aimed at targeting offenders of anti-social behaviour.