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Introduce amendments to the Anti-social Behaviour Act to strengthen local authority closure order powers.
Recommendation
The Government should introduce the following amendments to the Anti- social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014: • Give all local authorities, including county councils, explicit powers to issue closure orders, with an option of permanent closure for the premises of persistent offenders. • In cases where the ultimate owner of a property is not identified, closure orders should be in place until their identity can be established. • Allow simultaneous closure orders on multiple premises that have a proven link. • Penalties should be applied to owners of properties where those responsible for the business are different and the owner cannot demonstrate adequate due diligence. (Recommendation, Paragraph 161)
Source
Committee
Business and Trade Committee
Inquiry
Small business strategy
Report
15th Report – Small business strategy
11 Feb 2026
HC 1057
Addressee Bodies
Department for Business and Trade
Timeline
Recommendation age
0.3 yrs
Report published
11 Feb 2026