The Cabinet of West Suffolk Council is scheduled to consider a range of important matters at its upcoming meeting. Key discussions are expected to focus on the review and potential amendment of Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) across the district, alongside proposals for improvements to the planning advice service and its associated fees.

Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs): Review of Existing Orders

A significant portion of the meeting is dedicated to reviewing existing Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) across West Suffolk. These orders, introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, are designed to tackle anti-social behaviour and nuisance in defined geographical areas. The report outlines the outcomes of a review process, which included consultation with the police, local communities, and stakeholders.

It is proposed that the existing PSPOs in Newmarket, Brandon, and Moreton Hall remain in place for a further three years, with no changes to their terms or geographical coverage. However, amendments are being considered for the PSPO in Bury St Edmunds, including an extension of the town centre boundary to include Olding Road and the Skate Park, due to reports of anti-social behaviour. Additionally, a new standalone PSPO is proposed for areas managed by the Forestry Commission within West Suffolk, aimed at prohibiting the use of disposable barbecues and open fires to mitigate the risk of wildfires. The report also details proposed additions to the dog exclusion areas, with specific play areas and sports pitches being considered for inclusion.

Planning Advice Service Review: Proposed Improvements and Associated Fees

The Cabinet is also scheduled to consider proposed improvements to the Council's planning advice service. The current service, established in 2016, is due for a review to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The proposals aim to refine the service for householder developments and advertisements, including the introduction of a pre-validation check to reduce invalid applications. For more complex developments, new categories are proposed to better reflect the scale of the project and ensure more accurate cost recovery. A new offer of a post-permission meeting is also being introduced. The report details a revised fee schedule, with some fees increasing to reflect officer time and expertise, aligning West Suffolk's charges with those of other local authorities.

Other Key Topics for Discussion

The meeting agenda also includes several other important items:

• Transport and Infrastructure Task and Finish Group Recommendations: The Cabinet will consider recommendations aimed at improving infrastructure planning and delivery for the new Local Plan. This involves continuing to align approaches with other Suffolk authorities and establishing service level agreements and statements of common ground with infrastructure providers.
• Commercial Recycling: A report will be presented outlining plans to revise the commercial waste collection service to meet the Government's 'Simpler Recycling' requirements. This includes a proposal to approve a capital budget of £300,000 to purchase a split-body refuse collection vehicle to increase collection capacity and meet anticipated demand.
• Revenues Collection Performance and Write-Offs: The Cabinet will review the performance of revenue collection and consider the write-off of outstanding debts totalling £104,718.84 for Council Tax, £175,312.42 for Business Rates, and £9,371.18 for Housing Benefit overpayments.
• Treasury Management Reports: Two reports concerning treasury management will be presented: the Treasury Management Report (June 2026) and the Annual Treasury Management and Financial Resilience Report (2025 to 2026). These reports detail the Council's investments, borrowings, and financial resilience indicators.
• Decisions Plan: The Cabinet will review the most recently published version of the Cabinet's Decisions Plan, which outlines forthcoming decisions scheduled between 1 September 2026 and 31 May 2027.

The meeting will also include procedural matters such as the confirmation of minutes and declarations of interest, as well as an open forum and public participation session.