Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 (“2014 Act”) gave local authorities the power to make Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs).

The Cambridge City Council Public Spaces Protection Order (Touting) 2016 was due to lapse on 14th September 2023.

Before the order lapses, Cambridge City Council must decide to either: a) extend the period of the order for up to three years, b) vary the order or c) discharge the order.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Community Wealth Building and Community Safety

      i.          Extended the PSPO for a period of 3 years on the grounds of:

a.    Consultation feedback highlighting concerns about nuisance re-occurring if the order was discharged

b.    Support from residents and businesses, including punt operators, for the continuation of the PSPO

c.    The need to address the disparity between low reporting to the council and ongoing community concerns about prohibited behaviours. It was proposed that updated signage was put in place to make clearer how people could report punt touting in the prohibited areas.

     ii.          Increased the Fixed Penalty Notice issued for breaches of the order from £75 to £100, so that it was in line with all other Fixed Penalty Notices issued by Cambridge City Council as outlined in section 3.17 – 3.25 of the Officer’s report.

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.          Officers were looking to redesign and improve signage to include details such as QR codes and how to report issues (if the PSPO was approved). Signage details and locations would be reviewed to ensure it was appropriate and informative.

     ii.          Officers were aware of touting around Cambridge Central Rail station. Touts had the land owner’s permission to operate. Network Rail would have to agree to changes to make the PSPO cover that privately owned area. Currently there is not significant evidence the station is a hot spot. The situation would be reviewed.

The Committee unanimously resolved 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.