Agenda item

Report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment.

Recommendations:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approve the renewal of the Town Centre and Clifton Park Public Spaces Protection Order (Appendix 4) for a period of three years upon expiry of the current Order in January 2025.

2.    Approve the renewal of the Borough wide Public Spaces Protection Order (Appendix 5), specifically dealing with dog fouling, for a period of three years upon expiry of the current Order in January 2025.

Consideration was given to the report which outlined the responses to the consultation that sought the views of the public and partners in relation to the existing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO’s) and the proposed conditions that would be considered as part of any new orders. Cabinet had authorised the public consultation at its meeting on 16 September 2024 following a review of the available evidence.

In summary, the responses had shown support for the PSPOs being in place, recognising they were an important tool in providing assurance around community safety matters. As such, the report recommended the renewal of the two PSPOs in place for a period of 3 years from January 2025. The Consultation Response Data Summary was attached to the report at Appendix 3.

For both PSPOs, over half the respondents confirmed they had confidence in the effectiveness of future Orders, while providing some challenge around the ability of the Police and Council to enforce the Orders. As a result of this feedback, the report also outlined further steps to provide additional assurance and oversight on the application of the tools by both the Police and Council, subject to the renewal of the Orders. It was noted that the wording around the prohibition on consumption of alcohol had been altered based on legal advice in order to enhance the ability to enforce as opposed to material change regarding the intent. This was the only change from the previous version of the Order.

A formal letter of support and comment from South Yorkshire Police was attached at Appendix 2 with the Public Spaces Protection Orders Consultation Activity Tracker attached at Appendix 1. The draft orders for the PSPO’s were attached at Appendix 4 and 5 respectively.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.    Approve the renewal of the Town Centre and Clifton Park Public Spaces Protection Order (Appendix 4) for a period of three years upon expiry of the current Order in January 2025.

2.    Approve the renewal of the Borough wide Public Spaces Protection Order (Appendix 5), specifically dealing with dog fouling, for a period of three years upon expiry of the current Order in January 2025.