Agenda item

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities & Neighbourhoods on the introduction of Public Space Protection Orders.

69.1    The Committee considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods, Councillor Jennie Watkins, concerning the introduction of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).

69.2    Councillor Watkins advised that there had been calls by some businesses for PSPOs to be introduced for some areas. She confirmed that no decision had yet been taken and that a consultation process would take place in early 2018. Councillor Watkins confirmed that there was no proposal to include rough sleeping under the PSPO and that she would welcome feedback from Members.

69.3    Councillor Pullen shared his belief that the consultation should engage young people of Gloucester, a number of which go to the City centre for positive reasons. Councillor Watkins agreed that this was a point worth noting.

69.4    Councillor Hilton stated that he was pleased that this matter was progressing but that he was keen to see something done in his Kingsholm ward as it had, in his, view similar issues to the City centre. The possibility of displacement from the centre into neighbouring areas was also raised by Councillor Hilton. He highlighted there being issues in the Rose Garden where young people were causing problems and shared his view that this warranted special attention.

69.4    The Head of Communities stated PSPOs are evidence based and therefore, in order for it to be implemented in a particular area, it would have to be justifiable. Councillor Watkins welcomed feedback from Members and confirmed that she did recognise the question of displacement from the City centre. With regard to community engagement Councillor Watkins stated that other wider social issues must be looked at but that a PSPO with the ability to disperse would help. In response to a query from the Chair, the Community Wellbeing Manager, Ruth Saunders confirmed that the area would include the Rose Garden and that the exact boundary was to be agreed. It was recommended by the Committee that the Cabinet member liaise with Members for Kingsholm to confirm the boundary prior to the consultation.  Councillor Morgan further suggested that some of the land off Worcester Street be included given there had been issues with street drinking.

69.5    Councillor Patel informed the Committee that there had been issues with street drinking close to Barton Street. Additionally, he asked whether PSPOs can be used in relation to sex workers. The Head of Communities suggested that a different PSPO would be required to cover sex work.

69.6    In response to concern from the Chair that there may not be sufficient time to include recommendations to Cabinet, Councillor Watkins reiterated the fact that Members were welcome to take part in the consultation themselves.

69.7    Councillor Smith queried what clear evidence had been gathered to form the basis of the PSPO proposal as opposed to anecdotal accounts and raised the difficulties with interpretation of such terms as nuisance, alarm, distress etc. The Head of Communities agreed that Councillor Smith’s point on interpretation was a valid one and that the training of Officers will be of paramount importance. With regard to the query about the evidence base, Councillor Watkins informed the Committee that evidence had come from the police and work around the day and night time economy.

69.8    Councillor Pullen stated that he was pleased that the PSPO would not directly target rough sleepers although he did bring point 8 of the draft order to attention of the Committee. He questioned whether this would result in the belongings of rough sleepers such as blankets being inhumanly taken. Councillor Watkins said she would investigate a facility whereby belongings could be collect after a note being left.

69.9    Councillor Lewis highlighted the evidence based nature of such a proposal. He further acknowledged that displacement was inevitable but that the Council did have to start somewhere.

69.10  In response to a question from Councillor Finnegan regarding staffing levels, the Head of Communities stated that this would be covered through partnership across various agencies.

69.11  The Chair thanked Members for their contributions and encouraged all to feed into the consultation process.