Jamie Hailstone 31 July 2017

Nearly half of councils using powers to ban anti-social behaviour

More than 100 councils have used new powers to curb a range of anti-social behaviour – from begging to swearing – in a 16-month time period, according to a new report.

The report by the think tank Manifesto Club, claimed 107 local authorities issued a total of 189 public spaces protection orders (PSPO) between March 2016 and June 2017.

According to the report, 152 local authorities now have a PSPO in place, which means 44% of councils have used the power since it was first introduced in October 2014.

The report claimed 19 councils have begged or restricted begging, including Coventry, Southampton and Wigan.

In addition, 18 councils have banned loitering or standing in groups and four have criminalised busking.

It also states 11 councils have restricted cycling or skateboarding in public spaces or streets and 30 local authorities have restricted dog walking in the past 16 month.

‘These powers take the criminal law into the domain of taste or annoyance, rather than significant public nuisance or harm,’ said report author, Josie Appleton.

‘PSPOs also allow councils to create absurdly catch-all crimes, such as the crime of standing in a group, which means that council officials and police officers have the power to fine or disperse pretty much anyone they want to.

‘These orders undermine cornerstone legal principles, as well as everyday freedoms in public spaces.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner