RESOLVED that: -
(a) Cabinet approve the further consideration of potential Public Spaces Protection Orders as noted at paragraph 9 of the report;
(b) Cabinet approve the progression to public consultation on Public Spaces Protection Orders within the scope noted, subject to finalisation of the evidence assessment; and
(c) Cabinet delegate authority to the Director of Communities in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulation, to approve the final proposals and consultation documents by way of a Portfolio Holder Decision Record.
Voting: Unanimous
Portfolio Holder: Community Safety and Regulatory Services
Reason
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) have been identified as a means of preventing and resolving negative behaviours seen throughout the last two years of Seasonal Response Programme delivered at peak visitor periods.
Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014 permits a Local Authority to designate a PSPO if it is satisfied on reasonable grounds that conditions prescribed by the Act are met. A feasibility assessment has concluded that there is sufficient evidence to support the further consideration of a PSPO’s in regard to six identified behaviours. The assessment also strongly indicates that the Council and Police will be able to take more robust action in regard to these behaviours, improving the response and acting as a deterrent.
Further work is required to finalise proposals and progress to public consultation. In order to do so in a timely manner and within timescales which could allow for adoption prior to the Summer 2023 season, delegated authority is sought to support the completion of this work and to achieve the launch of consultation in January 2023.