It also specifically addressed truancy, drug houses,[1] false reports of emergency, fireworks, public drunkenness and gang activity.

It also strengthened the power of registered social landlords (RSLs) to take action against tenants who cause nuisance or annoyance to neighbours.

One power was that secure tenancies could be 'demoted' by order of the County Court, which in theory at least, made eviction easier.

[13] Part III ("Parental responsibilities") amends 'parenting orders', which were introduced by the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

There was also a power for a police officer (or PCSO) to accompany any unaccompanied person of under 16 to their home between the hours of 9 pm and 6 am.

Section 30 did not apply to lawful pickets,[14] although the human rights implications had been considered by the courts on a number of occasions.

[16] Part IV was repealed in October 2014 by Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 Sch.11(1) para 41(c).

[17] Councils also now have the power to serve a graffiti removal notice on the person in control (usually the owner) of any surface that is street furniture (such as a telephone box, post box or bus stop) where graffiti has been applied, this legislation does not apply to private property.

This part of the Act gives local authorities the power to investigate complaints made by people affected by such hedges, and, if necessary, to require their reduction.

[18] Part IX ("Miscellaneous") makes some changes to the mechanisms for serving and enforcing anti-social behaviour orders.