FOI request (FOI-98379365)

I apologise for this request as I appreciate how busy you will all be, and I know how it feels to receive an email with ‘Freedom of Information Request’ in the subject header. Unfortunately the information I am requesting is necessary to enable a clear picture to be gathered, of the financial and resource burden placed on local authorities when Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) were introduced within the provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.

As part of the transitional arrangements all existing Gating Orders converted to PSPOs in October 2017. Under the Act, additional statutory consultation requirements were placed on local authorities who wish to extend PSPOs – the new consultation duties mean that if we wish to continue to extend the period of PSPOs which restrict access over the highway then we need to consult with persons directly affected i.e.  those who occupy or own land adjacent to the PSPO restricted area, at least every 3 years, if we wish them to continue.

The staffing resources and financial cost for such consultation is extensive. I am working with colleagues from the LGA and a number of other authorities in an attempt to secure changes to the legislation which will repeal the statutory duty to consult in order to extend PSPOs, and enable CSPs to carry out a review process instead, in the same way Gating Orders were reviewed historically.

In order to support the request for legislative changes, and to assist in the assessment of the resource and financial implications, I ask that you provide the following information pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act:

How many individual properties are protected by PSPOs (with restrictions on access over the highway) in your local authority area?