WGPlus (Archive)
Using a hammer to crack a nut |
Since the introduction of Public Spaces Protection Orders under the ‘Anti-social Behaviour, Crime & Policing Act 2014’, various groups & communities have expressed their concern over councils’ use of these powers. On several occasions, it was argued that PSPOs were being misinterpreted and used to unfairly discriminate against people who were homeless or sleeping rough. A notable example was the recent case of Oxford City Council warning rough sleepers that they must remove their possessions from doorways, or face fines of up to £2,500 for unreasonable conduct and causing an obstruction, although the council did issue a statement explaining its position. In a move that should help to avoid the inappropriate issuing of PSPOs in future, in December 2017, the Home Office updated its guidance on the Orders, which now specifically states that PSPOs ‘should not be used to target people based solely on the fact that someone is homeless or rough sleeping, as this in itself is unlikely to mean that such behaviour is having an unreasonably detrimental effect on the community’s quality of life which justifies the restrictions imposed’. Importantly, councils are now directed to consider taking measures that tackle the root causes of the behaviour and consulting with homeless charities when considering restrictions or requirements that may impact on rough sleepers. |
Researched Links: |
Homeless Link: Home Office updates Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPO) guidance With the weather turning colder Just when they need a ‘warm, secure home’ Migrant homelessness: the stark reality of destitution in England WAO: Local authorities making good progress on implementing new homelessness duties Ombudsman responds to PAC report on homelessness Government's complacent attitude has failed homeless Changing face of homelessness highlighted in Ombudsman report LGA: Councils respond to LGO report into homelessness Government to lead national effort to end rough sleeping Supportive shared housing – A solution for those at risk of homelessness? Homeless Couples: is it time for a new approach? LGA responds to Shelter report on homelessness A second class ending - end of life care for people who are homeless Rough Sleeping in Winter – what is being done? Councils reminded of their duty to homeless families following Ombudsman investigation LGA: Nation faces older people homelessness ‘time bomb’ – councils warn |