Laura Sharman 31 October 2016

Councils urged to limit use of Community Protection Notices

Local authorities have been accused of making up their own laws and invading people’s privacy through the use of Community Protection Notices (CPNs), by the Manifesto Club.

The campaign group found councils used issued nearly 4,000 CPNs in a year, banning individuals from doing certain things or requiring certain activities. This includes making it a criminal offence to argue in the home, targeting rough sleeping or forcing someone to tidy their garden.

The Manifesto Club said CPNs could be used by councils to impose ‘unreasonable restrictions upon law-abiding members of the public’.

Josie Appleton, convenor of the Manifesto Club, said: ‘Councils have dramatically differing levels of CPNs, according to the policies of their community safety or environmental health departments. For example, Newham Council has issued 1,486 CPNs, while comparable London boroughs have issued only a handful or none at all.

‘As a result, there is no consistent point at which a CPN intervention will be triggered. An overgrown garden would be a crime in one borough but not in another.’

The research showed that four councils issued notices for feeding birds in gardens, three for busking, and 18 for messy gardens. Five councils also issued CPNs to help solve neighbourhood disputes.

Ms Appleton added: ‘We urge councils to publicise their use of CPNs, so these can be subject to local public debate and discussion – and for individuals who have been affected by CPNs to come forward. It is our view that the Home Office should investigate and record how these powers are being used, and consider whether they should not be more significantly restricted.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner