Town Centre PSP0 (2023 Review)

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Consultation has concluded

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) specify an area where activities are taking place that are or may likely be detrimental to the local community's quality of life. PSPOs impose conditions or restrictions on people using that area.

In 2017 the Council introduced a PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order) that allowed the Council to deal with measures to reduce anti-social behaviour in the town centre around alcohol and persistent begging. We know that anti-social behaviour can detrimentally affect people's quality of life and we want to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy public spaces in our town centre, which are safe and welcoming. In 2020, the PSPO was reviewed which led to it remaining in place. It has now been three years and we are required to carry out another review.

A review undertaken with community safety partners has found that the existing PSPO remains an effective tool against specific forms of anti-social behaviour. The existence of the enforcement tool acts as an effective deterrent against the anti-social behaviour associated with drinking and against persistent begging. Kent Police use the PSPO to challenge those behaving inappropriately as a result of alcohol. Alongside other legislation, the PSPO provides the police with legislation to engage, explain and encourage appropriate behaviour, using enforcement as a last resort. The PSPO similarly provides an excellent deterrent against persistent begging and enables our proactive outreach team to support those in need instead by helping them to access funds and support appropriately.

How you can get involved

Survey - Takes around 5 to 7 minutes to complete.

Closes: Monday 8 May 2023.

What Next

The results of this survey will inform if these measures will be continued, with a decision due to made in Summer 2023 by the Communities, Housing & Environment Committee.

Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) specify an area where activities are taking place that are or may likely be detrimental to the local community's quality of life. PSPOs impose conditions or restrictions on people using that area.

In 2017 the Council introduced a PSPO (Public Spaces Protection Order) that allowed the Council to deal with measures to reduce anti-social behaviour in the town centre around alcohol and persistent begging. We know that anti-social behaviour can detrimentally affect people's quality of life and we want to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy public spaces in our town centre, which are safe and welcoming. In 2020, the PSPO was reviewed which led to it remaining in place. It has now been three years and we are required to carry out another review.

A review undertaken with community safety partners has found that the existing PSPO remains an effective tool against specific forms of anti-social behaviour. The existence of the enforcement tool acts as an effective deterrent against the anti-social behaviour associated with drinking and against persistent begging. Kent Police use the PSPO to challenge those behaving inappropriately as a result of alcohol. Alongside other legislation, the PSPO provides the police with legislation to engage, explain and encourage appropriate behaviour, using enforcement as a last resort. The PSPO similarly provides an excellent deterrent against persistent begging and enables our proactive outreach team to support those in need instead by helping them to access funds and support appropriately.

How you can get involved

Survey - Takes around 5 to 7 minutes to complete.

Closes: Monday 8 May 2023.

What Next

The results of this survey will inform if these measures will be continued, with a decision due to made in Summer 2023 by the Communities, Housing & Environment Committee.