Let's break down the questions one by one, based on the **Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014**, which is designed to address issues like noise, nuisance, and anti-social behaviour in the UK.

### 1. **Can Mrs. Smith, or anyone else, take action under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to stop the noisy parties?**

Yes, Mrs. Smith, or anyone else affected by the noise, can take action under the **Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014**. In this case, the noise from the parties could be considered **anti-social behaviour** if it causes harassment, alarm, or distress to others (such as Mrs. Smith). One potential action is the issue of a **Community Protection Notice (CPN)**, which can be issued if the noise is affecting the quality of life of others in the locality.

Mrs. Smith can report the ongoing disturbances to the local authorities (like the local council or police), who can then investigate the matter and, if necessary, issue a Community Protection Notice or pursue other interventions.

### 2. **Who would be considered an "authorised person" in this situation to potentially issue a community protection notice?**

An "authorised person" who could issue a Community Protection Notice (CPN) in this case would typically be:

- **Local authority officers**, such as environmental health officers (who often handle noise complaints).
- **Police officers** (if the anti-social behaviour is severe enough).
- **Housing officers** (if the property is within a housing association's jurisdiction).
- **Council officers** or **environmental health teams** (who are tasked with handling noise complaints).

These individuals are authorised to assess the situation and issue the notice if the behaviour meets the criteria set out by the Act.

### 3. **If a community protection notice is issued and ignored, what actions could the local authority take to remedy the situation?**

If the neighbours ignore a **Community Protection Notice (CPN)**, the local authority has several options to take further action, including:

- **Fines**: The local authority can impose a **fixed penalty notice** (FPN), which requires payment of a fine. This is often used to encourage compliance.
  
- **Court action**: If the notice is still ignored, the matter can be taken to court. Failure to comply with a CPN can result in a **criminal conviction**, and the court may impose more severe penalties.

- **Seizure of equipment**: In some cases, the local authority could take action to seize equipment that is contributing to the nuisance, such as sound systems or other devices used to create excessive noise.

The idea behind these measures is to provide both immediate and long-term remedies to the nuisance behaviour.

### 4. **Could the noisy neighbours appeal the community protection notice? On what grounds?**

Yes, the noisy neighbours could appeal the **Community Protection Notice (CPN)**. The grounds for appeal could include:

- **Lack of evidence**: If the neighbours believe that the CPN was issued without sufficient evidence or that the noise levels did not meet the criteria for anti-social behaviour.
  
- **Unfairness or disproportionality**: If they feel the action taken was unreasonable or not proportional to the level of disturbance caused.

- **Mistake of fact or law**: If the notice was issued based on incorrect information or a misinterpretation of the law.

Appeals must be made within 21 days of the notice being issued, and they are typically heard in the **Magistrates' Court**.

### 5. **If the case goes to court and the noisy neighbours are found guilty of an offence under section 48, what penalties could they face?**

If the case goes to court and the noisy neighbours are found guilty of an offence under **section 48** (which deals with **failing to comply with a Community Protection Notice**), they could face the following penalties:

- **A fine**: The court could impose a fine, which can vary depending on the severity of the offence, but it can be substantial. The fine could be up to **£2,500** for individuals.

- **Imprisonment**: If the case is more serious, or if the neighbours have been non-compliant with a number of warnings or notices, they could be subject to a **maximum prison sentence of 51 weeks** (if the offence is prosecuted as a summary offence) or even longer if considered an indictable offence.

- **Additional penalties**: The court could also order that the neighbours pay compensation to Mrs. Smith or other affected parties for the distress or loss caused by the anti-social behaviour.

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To summarize, Mrs. Smith has several avenues to take action, starting with reporting the nuisance to the local authority, who can then issue a Community Protection Notice. If the neighbours continue to ignore it, they may face penalties such as fines or even imprisonment if they are found guilty in court.