What is an IPNA?
IPNA stands for “Injunction to prevent nuisance and annoyance” and is a civil power designed to deal with a range of anti-social behaviour.
IPNAs were introduced on March 23, 2015 and they replace anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs), anti-social behaviour injunctions (ASBIs) and individual support orders.
A court can grant an IPNA against anyone who is aged ten or over. An application for someone aged 18 or over must be made in the county court or high court. Applications for those aged 10 to 17 must be made in the youth court and the local youth offending team must be consulted before the application is made.
The following organisations have the power to apply to court for an IPNA:
Local authorities
Social housing landlords, such as housing associations
The police, including the British Transport Police
The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales
NHS Protect and NHS Protect (Wales) Transport for London.
The court will decide if there is evidence that the individual has engaged in, or is threatening to engage in, anti-social behaviour; and whether it is ‘just and convenient’ to grant the injunction.
An IPNA can include what the individual is not allowed to do (prohibitions), as well as what they must do.
Requirements can be positive, as long as they are suitable and enforceable. For example, an injunction could include a positive requirement for the individual to attend alcohol awareness classes to try to address the cause of their anti-social behaviour. An interim injunction cannot include positive requirements.
For adults, the prohibitions or requirements in an IPNA can be for a fixed or indefinite period. For under 18’s the prohibitions or requirements must have a specified time limit and the maximum term is 12 months.
A power of arrest can be attached to any prohibition or requirement (except a positive requirement) in the injunction.
The court can only attach a power of arrest if the anti-social behaviour involved or threatened includes the use, or threatened use, of violence against others; or the individual poses a significant risk of harm to other people.
Where a power or arrest is attached, a police officer can arrest the individual without a warrant if there is reason to believe that the injunction has been breached.
You can get help, information and advice from your local Citizens Advice or visit www.citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk or contact Citizens Advice Wokingham at Second Floor, Waterford House, Erftstadt Court, Wokingham RG40
2YF. Tel: 0300 330 1189. email: public@ citizensadvicewokingham.org.uk