Issue - meetings

Report of the Director for Environment and Resident Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Communities.

There are currently 12 Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) in the borough. 11 relate to the control of alcohol and one relating to dog control. These were extended on 18^th October 2023 for a period of 18 months and will expire on 30 April 2025. The responses in previous consultations on these PSPOs, have expressed a demand for a borough wide alcohol control PSPO. In addition, discussion with the Police, Councillors and other stake holders has indicated an appetite to consider introducing a borough wide PSPO to address other behaviours that are having a detrimental impact on the community. To explore this further the Council undertook a co-design process to obtain the views of residents and other stakeholders and a 19-week public consultation.

On 18^th March 2024, the Lead Member for Community Safety and Cohesion gave approval to consult on a proposal for a Borough-wide PSPO and the purpose of this report is to present the outcome of the consultation and to seek approval for a 3-year borough-wide PSPO. If approved the Borough-wide PSPO will come into force with effect from 1^st May 2025 and shall remain in place for 3 years.

The Cabinet Member for Communities introduced the report which sought approval of a Borough-wide PSPO to come into force with effect from 1st May 2025 and to remain in place for 3 years.

In response to question from Cllr Hakata and Cllr Cawley- Harrison, the following information was provided.

-       The Council was committed to safeguarding vulnerable groups. It had incorporated reasonable exemptions within the proposals to take into account vulnerable groups, such as those with disabilities, children and street homelessness. The Council also prioritised support for vulnerable groups and aimed to protect, not penalise vulnerable groups. There were no ‘on the spot’ fines for PSPO breaches and the emphasis was on taking a fair and measured approach by signposting individuals to relevant services. The team worked closely with support and outreach services to undertake preventative and supportive initiatives. The enforcement of PSPOs were managed and monitored by the local authority. Additionally, Police would be required to submit a witness statement to the Council for triage and assurance. This process added an additional safeguard ensuring enforcement decisions were consistent and individual circumstances were taken into consideration. The implementation would be regularly reviewed by the Council. Anyone issued with a fine had a right to appeal or could also raise a complaint.

-       Drug paraphernalia was removed was removed from the PSPO based on the advice received from the Council’s legal service.

-       All the costs were funded into the actual PSPOs signage and information to raise awareness.

RESOLVED

1. To note the results of the consultation on the PSPO and:

2. To note the results of the consultation as contained in Appendix 2 of this document.

3. To approve the introduction of the revised borough wide PSPO for alcohol control and other detrimental activities as detailed in the proposed draft PSPO at Appendix 1.

4. To agree, in light of the consultation responses contained in appendix 2 of this report, the proposal to not take forward restrictions in respect of:

-       Any person who, without reasonable excuse, uses, shares, or supplies others with any psychoactive substances (including Spice and other substances known for legal highs) or marijuana/weed, in any public place within the restricted area, commits an offence.

-       Any person who is in possession of any drug paraphernalia (including cannabis grinders or crack cocaine pipes), in any public place within the restricted area, without reasonable excuse, commits an offence.

5. Any person who, without reasonable excuse, behaves in a manner that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to any person(s) commits an offence. Examples of such behaviour include use of offensive, threatening or abusive language.

6. Any person who spits in the restricted area, without reasonable excuse, commits an offence.

9.         Notes the alterations to the prohibitions consulted on following responses received as outlined below:

i. Removing ‘Being in possession of an open vessel(s) of intoxicating liquor in a public place’ prohibition 1.

ii. Clarifying that the restriction relating to riding a bicycle, moped, e-scooter or e[1]bike  ...  view the full minutes text for item 94