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

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner