Community Protection Notices (CPNs) are designed to stop a person aged 16 or over, a business or an organisation committing anti-social behaviour, which has a detrimental effect on the community. This can include offences such as noise nuisance, fly-tipping on private land and antisocial behaviour.

A CPN can be issued by council officers, police officers, police community support officers (PCSOs) or social landlords, if designated by the local authority. They must first serve a written warning, which can lead to a CPN being issued if not complied with. They are allowed to issue these notices in line with the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Punishment for failing to comply with a CPN is an offence and punishable with a financial penalty in Court currently £2,500 for individuals, or £20,000 for businesses.

These notices place requirements on the person or business that receives it, and failure to comply with those requirements can result in an arrest and a conviction.

To appeal the receipt of a Community Penalty Notice, there is only a 21 day period to lodge it at the Magistrates’ Court.

Nicholls & Nicholls have successfully overturned the issuing of these notices and received costs back from the local authority or the police. We can advise on the best course of action if you have been served a written warning or issued a CPN.