The Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel of Merton Council is scheduled to consider proposals for new Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) and review the council's work programme. The meeting will also include an update on the Rough Sleeping and Homelessness Strategy and Economic Growth.

Proposed Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs)

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed development of new Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) for Merton. These orders are a tool under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014¹ that can prohibit specified conduct or require specified action in a defined public place to address issues that have a detrimental effect on the quality of life for those in the locality.

The report pack indicates that three specific PSPOs are being considered:

• Alcohol and other specified conduct in public places: This proposed order aims to address various issues including alcohol-related nuisance, harassment, alarm or distress, public urination, defecation, spitting, littering, dog fouling, drug-related nuisance, intimidating begging, unauthorised amplified sound, open fires and barbecues in green spaces, fireworks and pyrotechnics, unauthorised mechanically or electrically propelled vehicles in green spaces, and camping or overnight occupation of green spaces. It also considers the possible maximum number of dogs under one person's control. The report clarifies that Responsible public drinking would not be prohibited and that any wording would require safeguards for ordinary socialising, peaceful assembly, lawful protest, and behaviour linked to disability or vulnerability.
• School keep-clear PSPO: This proposal is intended to tackle the issue of vehicles stopping or waiting on specified school keep-clear markings, which can reduce visibility and obstruct access, creating safety or nuisance problems. The report notes that this would not be a general restriction covering every school or nearby road.
• Engine-idling PSPO: This proposal explores whether repeated, avoidable, and unreasonable stationary engine idling in public places has a detrimental effect through localised exhaust fumes, noise, nuisance, health concerns, and reduced amenity. The report states that the current working proposition is borough-wide, but this is not a settled conclusion and the assessment will determine the appropriate geographical scope.

The report outlines that a public consultation will be a key next step in the process for these proposed PSPOs, as required by statutory requirements. The council's borough-wide Alcohol Consumption in Public Places Order 2023 expired on 25 July 2026, and this work is being presented as a response to reported public-place concerns and operational experience. The Crime and Policing Act 2026² has increased the maximum sum that can be imposed by way of a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for PSPO contraventions, from £100 to a range of £100 to £500, with an expected implementation date of 26 October 2026.

Work Programme

The panel is also scheduled to review its Work Programme for 2026/27. This programme outlines the issues the panel intends to scrutinise throughout the year, including pre-decision scrutiny, policy development, issue-specific reviews, performance monitoring, and partnership-related work. The report pack indicates that the work programme will be considered at each meeting to allow the panel to respond to emerging concerns or request new pre-decision items before they are considered by the Cabinet or Council.

Rough Sleeping and Homelessness Strategy

An update on the Rough Sleeping and Homelessness Strategy is also listed on the agenda. This will likely provide information on the council's ongoing efforts and plans to address homelessness and rough sleeping within the borough.

Economic Growth

The panel is also scheduled to receive an update on the Economic Growth Plan. This item is expected to provide an understanding of Merton's economy and information on the upcoming Growth Plan.