Agenda item

Matter for Decision

The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (“2014 Act”) gives the Council powers to make Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).

 

The Council has two PSPOs due to lapse in 2022. These are:

      i.          The Cambridge City Council Mill Road Cemetery, Petersfield Green and the front garden at Ditchburn Place, Cambridge Public Spaces Protection Order 2016, and

     ii.          The Public Spaces Protection Order (Touting) 2016.

 

Before the orders lapse a decision must be made to either extend the period of the orders for up to three years, to vary or to discharge the orders. All three decisions will require action by Cambridge City Council.

 

A consultation on which decision to take has been conducted with the Police and Crime Commissioner, the local policing body, relevant community representatives, ward councillors and the owner/occupier of land the PSPOs cover. Over 92% of respondents supported the extension of the orders.

 

Whilst reported incidents of prohibited behaviours have significantly decreased, community groups and councillors remained concerned about anti-social behaviour re-occurring without the PSPOs in place.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Open Spaces, Sustainable Food and Community Wellbeing

      i.          Approved extending both PSPOs for a period of 12 months on the grounds of:

a.    Consultation feedback highlighting concerns about anti-social behaviour (ASB) re-occurring if the orders were discharged and evidence of lower levels of prohibited behaviours.

b.    The impact of Covid-19 on social life in the areas concerned and the potential that behaviour and anti-social behaviour may resume now that restrictions have been lifted.

c.    The need to address the disparity between low reporting to the Council and Police and ongoing community concerns about prohibited behaviours.

     ii.          Noted that, if approved, the extension period would be used to assess if there is further evidence to warrant a 3-year extension, variation or discharge of either or both of the PSPOs.

 

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

 

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

 

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Community Safety Manager.

 

The Community Safety Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions:

      i.          People could report anti-social behaviour to the City Council anti-social behaviour team if they did not feel comfortable contacting the police.

     ii.          As covid restrictions were lifting, the City Council was liaising with residents as people anticipated that levels of anti-social behaviour could rise.

 

The Committee resolved by 8 votes to 0 to endorse the recommendations.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

 

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.