Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to agree to proceed to public consultations on the potential implementation of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle the anti-social behaviour associated with the excessive consumption of alcohol within the City Walls.

Resolved:

(i)           That Option 1 be agreed. To consult with local businesses, residents and interested stakeholders on the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) within the City Walls, which would mean that the Council and the Police would have greater powers to deal with anti-social behaviour in these areas.

Reason: To ensure that the Council actively addresses the issue of anti-social behaviour in our communities.

(ii)         That a further report at the end of the consultation, which makes recommendations as to whether to introduce a PSPO taking into account the responses to the consultation, be received at a future Decision Session – Executive Member for Housing & Safer Neighbourhoods.

Reason: The Council will need to have due regard to the results of the public consultation exercise and legal criteria in making a decision.

The Executive Member considered a report that sought agreement to proceed to public consultation on the potential implementation of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to tackle the anti-social behaviour (ASB) associated with the excessive consumption of alcohol within the City Walls.

The Head of Community Safety was in attendance to present the report and she confirmed that:

·        The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 included the power to issue a PSPO as part of a mechanism to approach anti-social behaviour.

·        A PSPO served to protect a public space from persistent or continuing anti-social activity by individuals or groups that had a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those within that locality.

·        ASB levels were likely to increase in the city centre following the lifting of Covid restrictions.

·        Officers had worked with the police to consider alternative approaches and had utilised police dispersal powers.

·        The PSPO would only apply to the drinking of alcohol where ASB was present.

·        The consultation would allow local residents and businesses to input into the process and raise any concerns.

The Executive Member emphasized that York city centre was generally a very safe and welcoming place but that there were concerns about the behaviour of a minority, which was often related to excessive consumption of alcohol.  It was noted that a PSPO was one of many tools available to tackle issues of ASB and was not used in isolation, but formed part of a multi-agency delivery plan. 

In answer to questions raised, officers confirmed the public consultation would begin in March, would be widely publicised and that the results would inform how the proposed PSPO should be taken forward, if a PSPO was the preferred option.

Resolved:

(i)           That Option 1 be agreed. To consult with local businesses, residents and interested stakeholders on the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) within the City Walls, which would mean that the council and the police would have greater powers to deal with anti-social behaviour in these areas.

Reason: To ensure that the council actively addressed the issue of anti-social behaviour in our communities.

(ii)         That a further report at the end of the consultation, which makes recommendations as to whether to introduce a PSPO taking into account the responses to the consultation, be received at a future Decision Session – Executive Member for Housing & Safer Neighbourhoods.

Reason: The council will need to have due regard to the results of the public consultation exercise and legal criteria in making a decision.