The Police and Crime Commissioner for the Thames Valley has called for a consultation on changes to closure notices as part of a campaign to extend police powers in the area.

A closure notice is a legal instrument issued by the police or local authorities which prohibits access to premises for up to 48 hours to cease illegal or nuisance activity.

The notice mandates immediate closure which, if breached, is a criminal offence.

Matthew Barber said he has “long been working” on a change in the law to boost police powers to issue closure notices.

They are an important tool in “disrupting criminal activity” on high streets but current powers “do not go far enough”, he said.

Last week, Mr Barber sent a letter to Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Policing and Crime, stating he was “disappointed” that the Government “chose to oppose” an amendment which would have extended the powers of the police and courts when imposing closure orders and closure notices.

In the letter dated Thursday last week, Mr Barber said: “At the end of last week, I wrote to you, along with other MPs, regarding Amendment 333, which would have extended the powers of the police and the courts when imposing closure notices and closure orders.

“I helped to draft this important amendment because I believe it would provide the police with the tools needed to help tackle criminal businesses on our high streets.


“In your own speech from the despatch box, you identified the potential benefits of the proposed powers.

“Of course, I am disappointed that the Government chose to oppose this amendment, despite cross-party support. I believe it was a missed opportunity to act.”

However, Mr Barber said he appreciates the Government’s amendment in lieu, which he said “does at least provide some way forward”, by giving the Home Secretary limited powers in this area.

“I understand from the debate that you intend to consult on this extension of powers,” Mr Barber added in the letter.

“I would urge you to ensure that this consultation is carried out swiftly, and regulations are brought forward at the earliest opportunity.

“Many of the provisions included in the Bill were first introduced to Parliament in the Policing and Crime Bill, which fell due to the general election.

“Many positive proposals have now taken years to reach this stage.

“In the case of changes to closure orders this consultation risks delaying the implementation of powers that could make a real difference on high streets across the country.”

Mr Barber also asked the minister to consult on changes to closure notices. The letter added: “The Government’s amendment did not make provision for regulations to change the duration of closure notices, another missed opportunity.

“This, of course, means that future primary legislation is still likely to be required in order to enact change.

“Nevertheless, the Government could be consulting on such a possibility now.

“In my view the most powerful element of the original amendment was in fact the increase in duration of closure orders.

“This is the element that allows the police to act swiftly and to reduce some of the pressure on policing and the courts.”

He added that to get the “right result” from these potential changes, he would “happily meet” with the minister and officials to discuss the matter further.

The Home Office was contacted for comment.