Purpose

To seek Cabinet’s authority to consult on the proposed “Public Spaces Protection Order (Dog Control) 2026” to be agreed for a period of three years; with an amendment for additional dog control measures between Cold Harbour and Plum Pudding.

Decision

Cabinet agreed the following:

1. To consult on the proposed PSPO in accordance with the statutory requirements, that is to say to consult with the local chief officer of police; the police and crime commissioner; owners or occupiers of land within the proposed affected area, appropriate community representatives and the relevant local parish councils.

Reasons for the decision

There is a statutory requirement for public consultation under Section 72(16) of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, and to conscientiously consider the results before implementing a PSPO. This report is seeking Cabinet’s authority to consult, after first having considered, the evidence base for the proposed order. Once the results of consultation have been carefully considered by officers, a further report will be presented to Cabinet to consider whether the PSPO should be made. The Public Space Protection Order for Dog Control was originally approved in October 2017 and was amended and extended in both October 2020 and October 2023, for three years on each occasion, in accordance with the provisions of the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Public Space Protection Orders are valid for 3 years following approval. The issuing of the Dog PSPO is necessary to prevent anti-social activity recurring. This report is requesting a PSPO for dog control for 3 years in accordance with Section 60 of the Act. Public consultation is required for this renewal under Section 72(16) of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Alternative options considered

Alternative 1 - Not to consult on the PSPO for Dog Control, as this is not considered a priority for the council. Cabinet could take the view that it does not wish to progress the proposed new PSPO at Annex 1 to the Cabinet report. This was not recommended as it is clear that the issues the order seeks to address are significant across the proposed restricted areas, that they are having a detrimental impact on the local community and that education alone is not completely effective in addressing these issues without a graduated enforcement approach.