This item will be referred direct to Scrutiny by Cabinet.

The Committee considered Minute 133 of the special Cabinet held on 8^th July 2019, which had been referred direct by Cabinet to Scrutiny together with a report of the Strategic Director (Legal and Democratic Services) requesting that consideration be given to whether the Council should proceed with the making of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) under Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, taking into consideration the results of the statutory consultation and further evidence.

A revised Draft Order and an amended plan showing the exact location of the proposed restricted area had been circulated at the Cabinet meeting.

Resolved:

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:

“1. That the Council makes a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) over the areas identified in the submitted report and in the form annexed at Appendix 3 (as amended).

2. That the existing Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) from 2002 ceases to be enforced following implementation of the new PSPO.”

Note: This is an Executive Function

Cabinet Member: Councillor Terry

Report of Strategic Director (Legal and Democratic Services)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director (Legal & Democratic Services) requesting that consideration be given to whether the Council should proceed with the making of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) under Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, taking into consideration the results of the statutory consultation and further evidence.

The Cabinet received a revised Draft Order together with an amended plan showing the exact location of the proposed restricted area.

On behalf of the Cabinet, the Leader of the Council expressed his thanks and appreciation to the relevant officers for their contributions to the report.

Resolved:

1. That the Council makes a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) over the areas identified in the submitted report and in the form annexed at Appendix 3 (as amended).

2. That the existing Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) from 2002 ceases to be enforced following implementation of the new PSPO.

Other options:

The Council could choose not to introduce a PSPO, however this would lose the opportunity to introduce this measure to tackle ASB which is having a damaging effect on the Town Centre, seafront and other areas identified in the report.  Additionally, following the support of the PSPO that has been displayed in the consultation, choosing not to implement the Order could negatively impact the reputation of the Council within the communities worst affected by the ASB.

Reasons for recommendation:

A PSPO covering the Town Centre, seafront, Southchurch Hall Gardens, Hamlet Court Road and York Road is believed to be an appropriate additional tool to tackle persistent and unreasonable anti-social behaviour taking place.  A PSPO can help provide realistic and proportionate enforceability to help reduce ASB which discourages and prevents the law-abiding majority from feeling safe in, and subsequently using and enjoying, these public spaces.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to: Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Councillor Terry

Report of Strategic Director (Legal and Democratic Services) – to follow

Resolved:

That this matter be deferred to a special meeting of the Cabinet, to be held on Monday 8th July 2019, beginning at 10 am.