§ Lord Hylton asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ What steps they propose to take to lessen the disruption caused to families and to the welfare of individuals when anti-social behaviour orders prevent individuals from visiting close relatives or gaining access to medical services. [HL496]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)It is for the courts to decide what prohibitions should be set out in the ASBO. The conditions should be reasonable and proportionate but protect all persons within a defined area from the anti-social acts of the defendant. The conditions are proposed to the court by the applicant agency and care should be taken to the formulation of the conditions so that individuals are not denied access to medical services or from visiting relatives, unless those relatives were party to the anti-social behaviour and the community needs further protection from their association. Local partnership working should ensure that the prohibitions set out in an ASBO application are workable and appropriate. Individuals may apply to discharge or vary the conditions of their ASBO.