Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Date of Decision: November 25, 2025

Purpose: To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Communities seeking permission to reintroduce the Public Space Protection Orders into 5 areas of the City after they had lapsed in April 2025.

Content: (i)  To consider the representations received in relation to this matter in response to the consultation carried out between 13/06/25– 11/07/25 as set out in Appendix 1. (ii)  To approve the new five Public Spaces Protection Orders to control street drinking, drug taking and aggressive begging in the localities shown in the maps at Appendix 1. (iii)  To note that police officers undertake the enforcement action associated with the Public Space Protection Orders but the Council may authorise other persons to undertake enforcement in addition to the police. (iv)  To delegate authority to that the Service Manager – Stronger Communities to authorise Council Officers to undertake enforcement of the requirements of the PSPO (in addition to the police).  

Reasons for the decision: The anti-social behaviour associated with street drinking, drug use, use of psychoactive substances and aggressive begging continues to cause problems in some parts of Southampton and can have a detrimental impact on the quality of life for those who live and work in or visit the city and generates complaints to either the Council or the police.  The Safe city survey highlights the issues most frequently mentioned and relevant to the PSPO discussions are: (Appendix 2)   •  Antisocial behaviour (69%) •  People using or dealing drugs (65%) •  Youth crime (59%) •  Aggressive begging (50%) •  Alcohol-related crime (50%) •  Residents were asked what would make them feel safer in Southampton, the top responses were: •  Greater police presence (83%) •  Improved reporting and follow-up on incidents (65%) •  Increased help for people who are homeless (63%) •  The above suggests that the public support a balanced approach combining enforcement and support.    

Alternative options considered: To not reintroduce the PSPO’s – this is not in line with key stakeholders’ expectations such as the Police, GO! Southampton and 93% of people who completed the 30-day consultation for the PSPO’s being reintroduced. The negative impact of this would be continued ASB with the potential for street drinking, drug use and aggressive begging to increase in the city, which is not in line with the corporate plan key objective a safer Southampton.