Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director (JY).

The Executive received the report on the current Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which was due to expire on 20 June 2020. The report highlighted the impact and achievement that the PSPO had on the city since it was introduced in 2017. The PSPO had addressed rising anti-social behaviour issues in the city which had a detrimental impact on resident’s quality of life.

The Portfolio Holder for Supporting People moved an amended recommendation:-

(1)  that the decision on whether the PSPO be extended be delegated to the relevant Director, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, save that (1) if any such order is made to extend, that such extension be limited to a period of 12 months, and, (2) that the Director is satisfied that the necessary consultation required by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 has been carried out; and, (3) that the Director is satisfied that there is sufficient evidence that the conditions for the making of the order are established.

It was explained that the reason for the revision was based on the City Council’s plans to organise a leadership summit to address issues of anti-social behaviour in the city centre and the wider city. By extending the Public Spaces Protection Order for 12 months, the Council would be able to engage with relevant bodies and put in processes to change the PSPO. It was noted, that although good progress had been made with the PSPO, more could be done with it to, to cover a wider range of anti-social behaviour issues.

Councillor D. Moore, having given notice under Standing Order 44, spoke on this item. She asked how the income had been spent for community benefits to reduce anti-social behaviour in the PSPO area. She further enquired about the dispersal incidents and whether they involved the same people requiring dispersal on multiple occasions. She further commented on whether the PSPO breaches and dispersals referred to in the report, involved people with no fixed homes. Councillor D. Moore, commented on the anti-social behaviour in the city and its impact on residents. She enquired about the Community Safety Partnership and what work was being undertaken with communities. Responses to questions contained within the statement would be emailed to Councillor D. Moore and were attached to the minutes.

Particular reference was made to the difficulty in managing anti-social behaviour across the city, with the Public Spaces Protection Order, being just one tool to address the problem. Communication in support for the PSPO had been received from the Exeter Police Commander, The Devon and Cornwall Police Crime Commissioner and the Chief Executive of Devon County Council. Correspondence had also been received from ‘Liberty’ who do not support the use of Public Spaces Protection Orders as a matter of principle.

During the discussion, the following points were raised:-

·         There was a need to revaluate the PSPO and to work with various groups across the city to address anti-social behaviour and set out a common purpose. Having a 12 month period to undertake the work, would be beneficial;

·         The proposed leadership summit would support the Council with its priority to help and support residents;

·         The report showed that there was high number of anti-social logs compared to the number of notices given.

·         The aim of the PSPO was to address anti-social behaviour, rather than homeless residents;

·         The leadership summit would need to ensure that issues of anti-social behaviour covered the city wards, not just for the city centre.

Following the discussion, Councillor Morse moved and was seconded by Councillor

Bialyk to amend the first recommendation in the report which was voted for unanimously and supported.

RECOMMENDED that Council approve:-

(1)  that the decision on whether extend the PSPO, be delegated to the relevant Director, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, save that:-

(a)  if any such order is made to extend, that such extension be limited to a period of 12 months;

(b)  that the Director be satisfied that the necessary consultation required by the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 has been carried out; and

(c)  that the Director be satisfied that there is sufficient evidence that the conditions for the making of the order are established.

(2)  the Exeter Community Safety Partnership continue to administer the ring fenced funding received by the Council from PSPO fixed penalty notices, for anti-social behaviour initiatives in the city.

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