Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Place

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director of Place, that had also been considered by Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee on 3^rd March 2017 (their minute 63/16 referred), that sought the approval and implementation of a Public Space Protection Order for Coventry City Centre.

In order to ensure that the City Centre was an attractive destination for residents, shoppers and businesses, it was necessary to minimise any behaviours that may be detrimental to the quality of life in this locality and potentially deter people from visiting the City Centre.

A City Centre Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) would assist in this matter and simplify the response of officers from the Police and the Council in dealing with various anti-social activities. The order would recognise that some of those considered to be causing issues had their own vulnerabilities and would seek to offer support and assistance, rather than simply rely on enforcement.

Permission was granted to consult with the public and key partners and organisations. The report summarised the results of the consultation, set out the conditions of the PSPO that best suited what was needed for the City Centre and was reflective of the responses received from partners and the public.

The initial order as proposed had been left largely unchanged apart from two amendments. These related to begging, cycling and skateboarding. The amendments were made in response to the consultation.

The Cabinet noted that the report had been considered by the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee at their meeting on 3^rd March 2017, and a briefing note setting out their recommendations was circulated at the meeting. The Committee recommended that the Cabinet:-

i.  Monitor levels of begging outside of the city centre to ensure there is no displacement effect of the PSPO.

ii.  As part of the redesign of city centre car parks, carefully consider the location of payment machines to discourage begging and improve safety.

iii.  Ensure a standard, multiagency procedure is offered when supporting vulnerable people with multiple complex needs, who may be begging or rough sleeping in the city centre.

iv.  Identify a clear and transparent way for members of the public to complain about anti-social activities that are covered by the PSPO.

v.  Support the development of a city centre skatepark and continue to work with partners to enable this to happen.

vi.  Develop a clear cycle plan for the city centre, so both cyclists and pedestrians are aware of suitable and appropriate cycle routes through the city centre.

Having considered the recommendations of the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee, Cabinet agreed that the matters in recommendations 1) – 4) above were already being pursued and also agreed to additional recommendations 3) and 4) below. 

RESOLVED that the Cabinet:

1.  Approves the wording of the proposed Public Space Protection Order and the suggested area to be covered by the Order, as set out in Appendices 1 and 2 of the report.

2.  Authorises officers to bring the order into effect at the earliest practicable date.

3.  Supports the consideration of a city centre skatepark and continue to work with partners to enable this to happen.

4.  Supports the further consideration of a clear cycle plan for the city centre, so that both cyclists and pedestrians are aware of suitable and appropriate cycle routes through the city centre.