On the morning after New Labour's re-election in the UK in 2005, Prime Minister Tony Blair set out the government's priorities. In his speech he said:

Blair was correct to state that since 1997 ‘a lot has been done’ with anti-social behaviour (ASB), if this is taken to mean the political priority given to the issue in rhetoric, discourse, legislation and policy development. Tackling ASB is now embedded in a new organisational architecture of governance at central and local government, and increasingly community and neighbourhood, levels. In 2003 an Antisocial Behaviour Unit (ASBU) was established (in the Home Office) within the traditional crime and policing remit of the Home Office along with a new Respect Task Force (see www.respect.gov.uk). Local authorities in the UK have been given enhanced powers and responsibilities and encouraged, through Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs), to prioritise tackling ASB. In Scotland local authorities are required to develop anti-social behaviour strategies and are encouraged to establish ASBUs (Scottish Executive, 2003). The Home Office-led TOGETHER campaign and action plan (a resource for practitioners working to tackle ASB across England and Wales: see www.together.gov.uk) has maintained the high profile given to tackling ASB, translated into action through funding and intervention in 50 communities designated as TOGETHER Action Areas. Increasing emphasis is given to strengthening neighbourhood tiers of governance and incorporating citizens and communities as part of the wider policing family coupled with policing reforms aimed at delivering neighbourhood policing (Home Office, 2004). This governmental focus on ASB is also reflected in, and influenced by, the increased profile given to the issue by professional groupings and agencies, for example the Social Landlords Crime and Nuisance Group.