Issue - meetings

The report of the Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods is attached.

The Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Community and Sustainability, Councillor Mason presented the report of the Executive Manager for Neighbourhoods outlining the review of the Public Spaces Protection Order.

Councillor Mason advised that she remained fully supportive of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) following its introduction three years ago. A review had been undertaken to consider an extension of the current PSPO for a further three years as guided by legislation. The Orders were a flexible enforcement tool to control Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) on reasonable grounds.  A full public consultation had taken place from 20 August to 20 September 2019 and the feedback had been broadly supportive.  Key partners including the Police, the Police and Crime Commissioner, community safety partners, Nottinghamshire County Council and other key stakeholders who have been dealing with the PSPO over the last three years were also very supportive.  The Council has always recognised that outdoor sleepers need support rather than an enforcement approach and the Council worked closely with partners to ensure that they receive the support they need. Each case was different and she had previous experience through working with Metropolitan Housing. The PSPO was a guiding factor in the formation of the multiagency Rough Sleepers Group to help individuals. The Communities Scrutiny Group had scrutinised the establishment of the PSPO and the review and endorsed it both times. Whilst there were differing views within the Group, the overall view was in favour of the extension.

The report was moved by Councillor Mason and seconded by Councillor Brennan.

Councillor Bansal stated that rough sleeping had doubled since 2010. Increasing numbers of homeless people were dying, with a 50% increase in the last five years. Last year 726 homeless people had died. The Labour Group’s concern with the PSPOs was that 36% of local authorities use PSPOs specifically against rough sleepers, despite guidance not to.  Rough sleepers should not be criminalised they should be offered more education and support and the Council should work with local groups to help them. It was a concern that the problem would develop further and the Council would not get to the root cause. Whilst the support already being given was acknowledged, it was important that where the PSPO was being used, it was not targeting the rough sleepers.

Councillor Jones confirmed that the Liberal Democrat Group would be supporting the recommendation. It was important that rough sleepers were treated according to the guidance as appropriate. He advised that the Police did not always appear to be aware of the PSPO and it would be helpful to improve communication.

Councillor Howitt arrived at 7.20pm.

Councillor Richard Mallender stated that he had expressed reservations when the issue was considered at the Communities Scrutiny Group. It was important that rough sleepers were provided with help and support and the Green Party did not believe that this was the correct legislation and would therefore not be supporting it.

Councillor Thomas confirmed that the Independent Group supported the recommendation.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43