Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs)
PSPOs are put in place to make sure that people can use and enjoy public spaces safely, away from anti-social behaviour. They can be a swift and effective tool to tackle anti-social behaviour in areas where it has been shown that there is an ongoing problem that is having a negative effect on residents, businesses, and visitors.
We have the power to make a PSPO under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014.
What is currently in place
There are currently four PSPO’s across the County which have been consulted on separately and introduced at different times:
- Teesdale (High Force), since 2022, renew or expire by July 2025
- Durham City Alcohol, since 2014, renew or expire by July 2025
- Dog Control, since 2014, renew or expire by 2026
- Durham City begging, public urinating and defecating and use of intoxicating substances, introduced in 2024, renew or expire by 2027
Before we consider whether to renew or allow them to expire, we would like to hear your views so we can consider them alongside any evidence we have that would support a future decision.
While some of the PSPO’s do not currently need to be renewed, we would like to bring them all into line, so we can consult on them at the same time, every three years. This will help us reduce the time and resources needed to carry out the reviews and consultations individually.
What we are proposing
Durham City
Since 2019, a PSPO has been in place to ban the drinking of alcohol in public spaces within a specific part of Durham City. The order means that if we believe that people are drinking alcohol in this area (or anything which is reasonably believed to be alcohol) we have the power to stop them and take it from them.
In September 2024, a PSPO to control begging, urinating or defecating in any public place other than by use of a lavatory, and the use of intoxicating substances in Durham City was agreed following consultation.
To view the orders go to: Enforcement powers for anti-social behaviour in Durham City Centre
- We proposed to extend the alcohol order for a further 3 years until 30 June 2028.
- We propose to hold discussions with key partners such as the police about the potential to extend the begging, public urinating and defecating and use of intoxicating substances order so it expires in 2028 rather than 2027.
Dog control
A PSPO for dog control was renewed for 3 years from 1 May 2023 which tackles the issues arising from irresponsible dog ownership. The number of reports made by the public and the enforcement actions made by wardens supports that dog issues remain community issues.
- We propose to extend the current PSPO dog control across the county until 30 June 2028.
Teesdale (High Force)
During Covid-19 restrictions in 2020, cases of rural anti-social behaviour grew across the country. A 'large influx' of visitors during the pandemic resulted in an increase in problems in the High Force area. A consultation sought views on enforcing a PSPO in Teesdale at Low Force, High Force and Gibson's Cave, between 1 April and 30 September each year. This was supported and introduced in June 2022.
After an initial period which saw a greater number of reports and confirmed incidents, the last summer period saw very little and feedback from the Warden and Police would not support a continuation of the PSPO.
- We propose to allow the PSPO to expire at Low Force, High Force, Gibson’s Cave and surrounding areas in Upper Teesdale.
Fines (Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN))
The FPN for dropping litter is now £250 for a first offence with a maximum of £500 for any following offense. The government is exploring increasing the fine for PSPOs and we would like to understand from you if you believe it is reasonable to increase FPNs for PSPOs in line with those for dropping litter.
- We propose to consider increasing the amounts for Fixed Penalty Notices.
The closing date for comments is 25 April 2025
Email letstalkcountydurham@durham.gov.uk if you would like the information in an alternative format or would like further information.