Agenda item

On 14 November 2018, Cabinet agreed to consult the public on a proposal to introduce a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) as the current one is due to expire on 19 June 2019.  The creation of bespoke PSPOs provides officers and partners (Kent Police) an additional tool on top of existing powers and legislation to help tackle specific issues of antisocial behaviour affecting parts of the District.  PSPOs were brought in as part of a Government commitment to put victims at the centre of approaches to tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB), focusing on the impact behaviour can have on both communities and individuals, particularly on the most vulnerable. 

Report C/18/78 summarises the results of the public consultation which shows that there is public support for all seven measures.  The report also provides an insight into the views of the public as well as the Government’s recommended position when implementing PSPOs.  Members are asked to approve the new PSPO measures outlined in section 2.2. 

On 14 November 2018, Cabinet agreed to consult the public on a proposal

to introduce a new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) as the current

one is due to expire on 19 June 2019. The creation of bespoke PSPOs

provides officers and partners (Kent Police) an additional tool on top of

existing powers and legislation to help tackle specific issues of antisocial

behaviour affecting parts of the District. PSPOs were brought in as part of

a Government commitment to put victims at the centre of approaches to

tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB), focusing on the impact behaviour can

have on both communities and individuals, particularly on the most

vulnerable.

Report C/18/78 summarised the results of the public consultation which

shows that there is public support for all seven measures. The report also

provided an insight into the views of the public as well as the

Government’s recommended position when implementing PSPOs.

Members are asked to approve the new PSPO measures outlined in

section 3.

 Jyotsna Leney, Community Services Manager presented the report to members informing them the mapping of relevant measures of the PSPO will include additional parts of the Marsh area following public consultation.  

She highlighted the number of consultation responses received and work will now begin on the next stages of implementing the order.

Members asked a number of questions which were answered by both Ms Leney and Jess Harman, Community Projects Manager as follows:

·         It is recognised that anti-social behaviour is a key priority for the District and that the implementation of bespoke measures through the new PSPO gives additional tools and powers to tackle antisocial behaviour.

·         Clarification on rough sleeping – members noted that this is not targeting rough sleepers for whom additional interventions and support will be carried out, rather to address any antisocial behaviour which has a detrimental effect to the community. Councillor Meyers, in particular, was happy to hear this as it was a concern he had raised. Working protocols on the application of the PSPO will have a clear explanation of this.

·         Anti-social behaviour – it was stressed that officers were tackling the antisocial behaviour associated with the activity ie not banning the activity itself eg drinking, where anyone having a peaceful picnic could drink but any one causing anti-social behaviour whilst drinking would be who the PSPO would target.

·         Chuggers – clarification on the dictionary definition was given - “Charity Muggers”.

·         Lydd – Councillor Goddard was pleased to see that Lydd was included and the extension to the areas New Romney Town Council asked for meant the Marsh had good coverage.

·         Consultation – a request that all those who had responded as part of the public consultation be given feedback and where contact details have not been provided, officers produce a public document that summarises all the results.

·         Training/resources – members noted the partners on board and the training that staff would receive to enable them to take enforcement action but still stressed engagement and intervention was preferable.

·         Communications – members noted that officers would work with the communication team to ensure that residents are informed of the intentions of the PSPO.

A review can take place at any time, indeed the first year is a test and learn phase and a review will be carried after 2 years as stated in the report however take place after a year but this is flexible as long as it is within the maximum 3 year duration.

Members received and noted the report with the amendment to recommendation b which should read as follows:

“To agree the 7 measures set out in section 3 to form the basis of

a new PSPO for relevant parts of the District.”

Proposed by Councillor Clive Goddard

Seconded by Councillor Ms Susan Carey and

Resolved: To receive and note report C/18/78.

(Voting: For 10; Against 0; Abstentions 0)