Agenda and minutes

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests.

Report of the Director of Law, Governance and Safer Communities

The Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion considered a report of the Director of Law, Governance and Safer Communities, which sought approval to undertake a period of public and stakeholder consultation on a proposed renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order. The proposed Order retains effective existing provisions while introducing a revised, behaviour-based approach to ensure the Order remains proportionate, enforceable, and legally robust.

Key changes proposed include:

·  A shift from activity-based prohibitions to a behaviour-based approach, focusing on conduct that causes harassment, alarm or distress.

·  New provisions to regulate the use of amplification equipment.

·  New controls on temporary structures such as gazebos and stalls.

·  Retention and refinement of provisions relating to busking, cycling, and e-bikes.

The proposed approach reflects current legal guidance, operational experience, and evidence on effective enforcement practice.

The Coventry City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) was introduced to address behaviours that have a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those living in, working in, and visiting the city centre. The current Order is due to expire in November 2026 and requires renewal to ensure that appropriate powers remain in place to manage anti-social behaviour and public nuisance.

The current City Centre PSPO was introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to address behaviours occurring within the city centre that were having a detrimental effect on the quality of life of those who live in, work in, or visit the area.

While the Order has provided a useful enforcement framework, operational experience, partnership working, and evolving legal guidance indicate that aspects of the current provisions are no longer aligned with best practice and present increasing legal and practical limitations. In particular, there is a need to ensure that restrictions are clearly focused on behaviours that meet the statutory test of causing harassment, alarm, or distress, and that they are proportionate, enforceable, and legally robust.

Officers specifically noted there was a change in focus away from activity-based prohibitions to behaviour-based approach, targeting the impact of behaviour and not people’s status. They also specified that although there was an increased focus on education and information, this was supported with an increase in enforcement and legal action.

The Cabinet Member, Councillor J McNicholas discussed the efficacy and impact of enforcement, particularly related to e-bikes. He emphasised the importance of responding to public concerns and ensuring he was regularly updated on the enforcement data and the impact of consultation.

RESOLVED that, the Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Cohesion:

1.  Authorises officers to undertake a 4-week city wide public and stakeholder consultation on the draft PSPO proposals as detailed in Appendix 1.

2.  Notes that a further report will be brought forward following consultation, setting out the results and any proposed amendments prior to approval and implementation.

There were no other items of business.