Protecting the public realm without shutting it down
As Martyn's Law approaches, this free special report from LocalGov and Hill & Smith sets out how councils can protect public spaces without shutting them down.
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Protecting the public realm without shutting it down
22/09/2026 As Martyn's Law approaches, this free special report from LocalGov and Hill & Smith sets out how councils can protect public spaces without shutting them down. |
Portsmouth council leader criticises Home Office over boat landing
08/09/2026 The leader of Portsmouth CC has said the Government needs to do more to prevent Channel crossings, after clashes between police and anti-migrant protesters. |
Facial Recognition: Balancing safety, privacy, and trust in local communities
13/11/2025 Tony Oliver, Head of Physical Security, North, explores how facial recognition technology can help local authorities enhance public safety. |
Closure of community spaces has created riot ‘tinderbox’
29/07/2025 The loss of shared spaces – from pubs to parks – has undermined community cohesion and fed far-right extremism, a think tank has said. |
Notting Hill Carnival’s future in question
19/06/2025 The current levels of local government support are not enough to address safety concerns with the Notting Hill Carnival, leaked letter from organiser warns. |
‘Busybody’ fines surged 42% last year
09/12/2024 There was a 42% spike in the number of on-the-spot fines issued for offences like swearing, loitering, drinking alcohol and begging in England and Wales last year, new research has found. |
Council faces legal action over ‘foul language’ ban
20/08/2024 Thanet District Council could face a judicial review of new measures to ban certain activities, including the use of ‘foul or abusive language’. |
Historic Crooked House bricks to remain on site
23/08/2023 The foundations of the historic Crooked House pub and the building’s bricks will remain on site as hazardous materials are removed, the council has confirmed. |
Oxford hit by wave of protests over '15-minute city' backlash
21/02/2023 Approximately 2,000 people took part in demonstrations against Oxford's '15 minute neighbourhoods' plan, with protests and counter protests on Saturday. |
Council accused of undermining safety of sex workers
12/12/2022 Newham Council has been accused of undermining the safety of sex workers after the local authority set out proposals for a clampdown on ‘kerb crawlers’. |
Court upholds abortion clinic ‘buffer zone’
22/08/2019 The Court of Appeal has upheld Ealing Council’s protest-free ‘buffer zone’ which is located outside of an abortion clinic in the London borough. |
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Councils issue nearly 10,000 fines for ‘anti-social’ behaviour
23/04/2019 Campaigners have called for Public Spaces Protection Orders to be scrapped as new figures reveal there were nearly 10,000 on-the-spot fines issued in 2018. |
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Council scraps plans to fine rough sleepers using tents
28/11/2017 Stoke-on-Trent City Council has decided to scrap plans to fine homeless people £1,000 if they were found sleeping in tents. |
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Essex council forced to amend law banning ‘rough sleepers’
08/04/2016 An Essex council has amended a controversial law that criminalised ‘rough sleeping’ after public outcry. |
