Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet: 

1.     Approves the draft Public Spaces Protection Order in Appendix 1 for public consultation to commence on 28th April 2023;

2.     Notes the proposed consultation and implementation timetable contained in the body of the report and;

3.     Has regard to the contents of the Equalities Impact Assessment.

Reasons for decision

Following a review into the effectiveness of the existing Public Spaces Protection Orders and taking into account emerging issues and recent data, Cabinet agreed to consult on new Public Spaces Protection Orders for the Borough. Cabinet had regard to the Equalities Impact Assessment.

The Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services outlined the consultation process, which included an opportunity for the Residents’ Services Select Committee to feed in.

On the proposed new Orders, this included smoking, vaping and dogs in children’ play areas and also driving e-vehicles on footways. It was noted that new restrictions were being proposed, where evidence had been received, in 3 of the Borough’s Town Centres in relation to amplified equipment, placing of tables, stands and signage, financial agreements and street trading without consent.

The Leader of the Council noted how such Orders had become an essential part of the armoury of the Council to tackle anti-social behaviour on behalf of residents.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to let the existing PSPOs expire or rely on the powers, though limited resources, of the Police to manage such offences.