Move stalls to ban begging and rough sleepers from city centre
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to introduce a so-called Public Space Protection Order in Birmingham city centre has been delayed.
The idea prompted demonstrations and criticism that it would target and criminalise rough sleepers when it was touted earlier this year.
The proposed three-year order would prohibit various types of behaviour including begging, obstructing footpaths, streetdrinking, taking drugs and being verbally aggressive.
It would give council and police officers powers to disperse individuals and groups, as well as issue fines, but there would also be requirements to refer vulnerable offenders on to relevant support services.
But now it has emerged that council plans have stalled.
Raising the matter at full council on Tuesday, Conservative group leader Rob Alden claimed it had been put on hold due to “disagreements with some Momentum members” despite the fact residents had “overwhelmingly” backed the idea during two public consultations.
In response, council leader Ian Ward said: “We have been engaged with partners on bringing forward this particular PSPO. We are very keen that we get the support of partners because at the end of the day in order to implement what we very much see as improving the safety in the city centre we will need the support of third sector partner organisations, and the reason that the implementation of the PSPO has been delayed is to allow that further consultation between third sector organisations.”
In July, Cllr John Cotton, community safety boss, vowed that he would not “endorse any measures that criminalise people for simply being poor, homeless or vulnerable”. He elaborated on feedback from the consultation, saying there was “strong support” but that it also “revealed the scale of public concern about anti-social behaviour, harassment and intimidation in the city centre”.
Cllr Cotton added: “Birmingham is a 24/7 city and we want it to be a city safe for all to live, visit and work in - around the clock.
“However, the consultation revealed many incidents involving women and young people intimidated or threatened with violence as they went about their business.
“Vulnerable citizens, including members of the street community, were also being targeted. This cannot and will not be tolerated.”