The HO says that it’s guidance will:
- make sure powers are used as intended – to tackle behaviour which is genuinely anti-social;
- help to prevent instances of rough sleepers, buskers or small groups gathering to chat in town centres - without causing a nuisance - being unfairly targeted.
Elements of the guidance include:
- focusing on specific and actual problems rather than blanket bans of behaviour that are not in themselves anti-social – such as rough sleeping
- reiterating that before making a Public Spaces Protection Order councils must consult the police and community representatives to ensure specific groups have the opportunity to comment, including:
- the local residents association
- regular park users
- those involved in activities such as busking
- highlighting how the Civil Injunction and the Criminal Behaviour Order can be used to tackle gang activity
- underlining the importance of local consultation, accountability and transparency in decision making
