Sheffield City Council APPROVES Crackdown on City Centre Anti-Social Behaviour

[SheffieldForum]

 

Sheffield City Council has today (December 9) approved a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) for the city centre, introducing new rules to combat anti-social behaviour. The decision means activities such as public drinking, begging, loitering, drug use, and public urination or defecation could now result in fines of up to £1,000.

 

The council says the PSPO will improve the quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors, with enforcement focusing on prevention and guidance before penalties. However, the move has sparked debate, with critics warning it could unfairly target vulnerable groups, such as those experiencing homelessness or struggling with addiction.

 

What the New Rules Cover

 

The PSPO specifically addresses behaviours that are persistent and have a detrimental impact on the city centre. Key issues identified include:

 

• Drinking alcohol in public spaces
• Begging on streets
• Loitering in ways that may cause alarm or distress
• Drug use and related activities
• Urination or defecation in public places

 

Those found breaching the rules may face a £100 on-the-spot fine, escalating to £1,000 if the matter is taken to court.

 

Public Opinion: Divided Views

 

The decision follows a public consultation earlier this year, which gathered over 1,200 individual responses and input from 77 organisations. While 67% of individuals supported the PSPO, concerns were raised about fairness, particularly for vulnerable people. Organisations were more supportive, with 87% in favour.

 

Some respondents highlighted feeling unsafe in the city centre due to issues like public intoxication and aggressive behaviour. Others worried the PSPO could push problems into other areas without addressing root causes. Concerns were also raised about the lack of public toilets, potentially criminalising those with no alternatives.

 

Criticism and Council's Response

 

Critics, including local charities, argue the PSPO risks unfairly targeting people experiencing homelessness or struggling with mental health and addiction. A representative from Ben’s Centre called for more focus on providing support rather than punitive measures.

 

Councillor Kurtis Crossland, chair of the committee, reassured that enforcement would consider individual circumstances and include warnings before fines. He emphasised that the PSPO targets behaviours, not individuals, and aims to prevent issues before they escalate.

 

 

[SheffieldForum]

Summary of the report presented to Councillors and the committee:

Sheffield’s Consultation on Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour:

 

Sheffield City Council ran a public consultation earlier this year to gather opinions on a proposed Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) for the city centre. The consultation, held online from 9th February to 25th March 2024, drew 1,280 responses from individuals, organisations, and landowners. Most respondents reported witnessing or experiencing anti-social behaviour, including drug use, public drinking, and aggressive behaviour.

 

Support for the PSPO was strong, with 67% of individuals and 87% of organisations backing its introduction. However, some raised concerns about how it might affect vulnerable groups, like people experiencing homelessness, and whether it would simply move problems to other areas outside the PSPO boundary.

 

Key Concerns and Suggestions

 

The consultation highlighted issues with the broad definitions of behaviours like "loitering" and "begging," which respondents worried could lead to unfair enforcement. Many also called for better public facilities, especially toilets, to prevent situations that might be penalised under the PSPO.

 

There were geographical differences in who responded, with fewer participants from areas like S4, S5, and S9. Younger people, ethnic minorities, and Muslims were also under-represented. Some respondents suggested expanding the PSPO’s boundary to include places like Kelham Island and Park Hill.

 

Balancing Safety and Support

 

While many agreed on the need to tackle anti-social behaviour to make the city centre safer and more inviting, others stressed the importance of pairing enforcement with support services. The consultation underscored the need for a balanced approach to ensure fair implementation of the PSPO and avoid disproportionately impacting vulnerable groups.

[SheffieldForum]

Summary of the Enforcement and Support Protocol presented to Councillors and the committee:

 

Sheffield City Centre PSPO: Enforcement and Support Approach

 

Sheffield City Council has outlined a detailed protocol for enforcing the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) in the city centre. The aim is to reduce anti-social behaviour while balancing enforcement with support for vulnerable individuals. The PSPO focuses on issues such as public drinking, begging, loitering, drug use, and urination or defecation in public spaces.

 

The approach prioritises education and prevention, with enforcement used only when necessary. Individuals breaching the rules will often be given the chance to stop their actions, and support will be offered to address underlying issues like addiction or homelessness. Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) will only be used as a last resort.

 

Key Principles of Enforcement

 

The enforcement strategy includes:

• Ensuring fairness, proportionality, and consideration of individual circumstances.
• Issuing warnings, such as an Anti-Social Behaviour Notice of Intended Action (NIA), before taking further steps.
• Prioritising patrols in hotspot areas identified through regular data analysis.
• Collaborating with the police and partner organisations to provide a joined-up response.

If breaches persist, actions may escalate to fines, prosecution, or referrals to support services, depending on the situation.

 

Addressing Root Causes

 

A central part of the protocol involves tackling the underlying causes of anti-social behaviour. Multi-agency teams will provide tailored support, including housing assistance, mental health care, and substance misuse treatment. This approach aligns with the city’s broader Harm Reduction Enforcement Pathway.

 

Monitoring and Adapting

 

The PSPO’s effectiveness will be closely monitored. Data on breaches and interventions will be collected and analysed to assess trends, identify new hotspots, and prevent displacement of issues to other areas. Regular reviews will ensure the strategy remains effective and fair.

[Baron99]

Good. Now, whichever agencies are charged with enforcement, let's see them do the job.  You've been given the powers, use them. 

 

You can start with the bottom of Fargate; the crew that usually hang around just in front of Aldi on High St & those outside the 24 hour mini market over near the bus stops on Arundel Gate. 

 

Here's an idea, also rope in the retailers who also making money off the backs of people who are already drunk by selling them more & adding to the anti-social problem. 

[Vrsaljko]

'The decision means activities such as public drinking, begging, loitering, drug use, and public urination or defecation could now result in fines of up to £1,000.'

 

Things like public drug use and drunk and disorderly etc are already criminal offences are they not? It seems to me like this would be best dealt with by having coppers actually patrolling the city centre and putting a stop to it. We've now got 'enforcement' to deal with it, whatever that is. Most likely city centre ambassador types in a high-vis jacket who will have nowhere near the level of training as police to deal with such incidents.

[The_DADDY]

Does anyone know if enforcement will be done by a private company or council employees?

[Prettytom]

7 minutes ago, The_DADDY said:

Does anyone know if enforcement will be done by a private company or council employees?

Why does it matter, as long as it works?

[Vrsaljko]

7 minutes ago, The_DADDY said:

Does anyone know if enforcement will be done by a private company or council employees?

 

I'd be very surprised if it's council employees. It will be outsourced to G4S or someone I would imagine.

[The_DADDY]

Just now, Vrsaljko said:

 

I'd be very surprised if it's council employees. It will be outsourced to G4S or someone I would imagine.

Hmmm. That's what I thought. Let's hope they behave themselves and not just go for easy targets. 

[Vrsaljko]

1 minute ago, The_DADDY said:

Hmmm. That's what I thought. Let's hope they behave themselves and not just go for easy targets. 

 

Yeah, it will be interesting. I can't wait to see a lone security bloke try and take on a dozen street drinkers outside the cathedral 🤣.