The Scottish Executive made the issue of anti-social behaviour a priority in its partnership agreement, published earlier this year. This briefing gives initial comment from Shelter on the Anti-Social Behaviour etc. (Scotland) Bill.

The key provisions in the bill

• The bill extends the use of ASBOs to those aged 12 and over.
• It gives the police new powers to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour, including powers of dispersal, Closure Orders and Community Reparation Orders.
•  It increases the use of fixed penalties for acts of anti-social behaviour.
• It introduces provisions intended to ensure that private landlords manage the anti-social behaviour of their tenants.

The bill introduces a range of measures to tackle anti-social behaviour. When commenting on the bill, Shelter Scotland will stay within its specific area of expertise; those provisions which relate to, or impact on, housing and homelessness.