Town Centre Public Spaces Protection Order (2026 Review)

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 2023 the Council reviewed and renewed the existing Town Centre 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. It has now been three years and we are required, by law, 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 - click here to start the survey

Survey takes: 4-6 minutes to complete.

Closes: Sunday 26 April 2026.

What Next

The results of this survey will inform if these measures will be continued, with a decision due to made in Summer 2026 by the Housing and Community Cohesion Policy Advisory Committee and Cabinet.