Decision details

The purpose of this report is to recommend that the Council exercises its powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to introduce a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to provide officers with additional enforcement capability to more effectively manage Anti-Social Behaviour in areas where it is currently having a detrimental effect on the community.

The councils Community Safety team and Kent Police currently deal with all Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) reports for the District. Thanet traditionally experiences higher levels of Anti-Social Behaviour compared to other areas. The four wards of Margate Central, Central Harbour, Eastcliff and Cliftonville West (which form the proposed ‘designated area’) account for over half of all ASB in the district.

Over the last 12 months these areas have experienced significant issues with regards to nuisance emanating from Anti-Social groups and the deliberate misuse of public spaces, which has also had a negative impact on business premises in the area.

A number of targeted interventions have already been deployed but have only achieved moderate success in these areas. This has included increased visibility, targeted enforcement as well as diversionary tactics such as mobile outreach, support referrals and education.

In light of this and based on the continued high volumes of ASB in these areas, the Council in consultation with Kent Police, seek this order to provide additional enforcement capabilities to tackle these complex issues.

This order proposes that within the specified designated area, the following activities are restricted for the duration of this order (three years);

• Anti-Social group congregation of two or more persons when causing ASB and;
• Misuse of public spaces (when asked not to do so)
• Using foul or abusive language
• Excreting bodily fluids

This order, if agreed, will be the third order in the district, the two orders already granted in 2017 cover alcohol related disorder and dog offences.

The Council are asked to support the proposals to give officers greater ability to tackle Anti-Social Behaviour in high volume areas in the interests of the wider community, residents, local businesses and visitors to the area.

Cabinet agreed the following:

i)  To exercise its powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to introduce a Public Space Protection Order;

ii)  To delegate any minor amendment of the PSPO to a service Director;

iii)  To then approve a Fixed Penalty Notice fine amount of £80 with early repayment of £60.

The introduction of this Public Space Protection Order No. 3 (Anti-Social Behaviour) will directly tackle those anti-social behaviours which are affecting Ramsgate and Margate Town Centres.

Rejection of the proposed Public Space Protection Order No. 3 (Anti-Social Behaviour) was considered but not undertaken as there are little other powers available to officers to directly tackle anti-social behaviours highlighted in the report.