Thanet District Council U-turn on Public Spaces Protection Order

Thanet District Council U-turn on Public Spaces Protection Order

Thanet District Council in Kent has reversed its decision to roll out a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) that would have penalized the use of abusive language. The council initially announced plans to implement the PSPO in an effort to tackle anti-social behavior in the area. Under the proposed order, individuals could have faced fines for using foul or abusive language if they were asked to stop by the police or a council officer.

The move to backtrack on the PSPO decision was made to avoid potential lengthy legal battles, according to TDC leader Rick Everitt. He cited legal correspondence from the Free Speech Union highlighting various concerns with the order. Everitt emphasized the council’s stance on avoiding costly legal disputes that could burden local taxpayers, opting instead for alternative approaches.

In response to the council’s decision, Chief legal counsel at the Free Speech Union, Dr. Bryn Harris, stated that the union would be closely monitoring any potential amendments to the PSPO. Everitt defended the use of PSPOs more broadly, noting that the order proposed in July drew heavily from previous provisions in effect from 2018 to 2024. The council plans to review the order and seek input from residents and stakeholders on any potential changes moving forward.

The decision to reverse the implementation of the PSPO signifies a shift in approach by Thanet District Council, reflecting a willingness to engage with legal concerns and seek input from the community before finalizing measures aimed at addressing anti-social behavior in the area

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More