Update on Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO)

Thanet District Council has today (Wednesday 3 September) responded to a letter from the Free Speech Union advising that:

1. The Council will not implement the PSPO that was the subject of the pre-action correspondence.
2. The Council will review the evidence and consult on an amended order.

Cllr Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council, said: “This decision follows legal correspondence from the Free Speech Union relating to multiple aspects of the Public Spaces Protection Order.

“The council believes that entering into protracted legal disputes, at extensive cost to the local tax payer, should be avoided where an alternative approach can be taken.

“The intention is to review the order and to consult, both local people and relevant stakeholders, on any amendments.

“The Free Speech Union did not respond to the public consultation this year and their lawyers raised a large number of issues for the first time subsequent to the Cabinet decision to adopt the draft order in July. 

“We do not believe that it is sensible for the first consideration of these matters to be in court, although at this stage we do not recognise them as having merit.

“The use of Public Spaces Protection Orders by local councils to help tackle antisocial behaviour is not unusual and the one agreed in July is predominantly based on provisions previously in force here from 2018 to 2024. 

“There was overwhelming support from local people who responded to the consultation this year. Kent Police has also previously supported the implementation of this PSPO.”