Scrutiny to look at outcomes of PSPO consultation
On 26 October 2026, City of York Council’s People Scrutiny Committee will review a proposal to extend the existing alcohol-related city centre public space protection order (PSPO). The papers can now be viewed online.
The report is based on the results of a recent public consultation on additional restrictions for the purpose of reducing incidents of anti-social behaviour for both residents and visitors to the city.
The consultation took place in August and September 2026 with more than 500 people responding alongside in person sessions with a wide range of stakeholders including those working with or having current experience of homelessness. The results provide a strong evidence base that respondents believe the behaviours the new powers are designed to tackle have a significant detrimental impact on the city centre. They also highlight a high level of support for the introduction of further PSPO controls.
The report notes that “The dominant narrative is that residents, visitors and many businesses observe rising anti-social behaviour and increased street drinking, experience growing intimidation and reduced feelings of safety and fear damage to York’s reputation as a family friendly destination.”
While support was strong, a significant minority of respondents were also concerned about issues like criminalising homelessness, displacing problems to other areas, the need for enforcement to be visible and properly resourced and disproportionate impacts on vulnerable groups.
In response to these concerns, the Human Rights and Equalities Impact Assessment has been revised to reflect feedback and sets out how any negative impacts will be reduced through a support-first, proportionate and monitored approach.
The proposed new order would not extend the geographical area of the City Centre PSPO. It would adopt a new three-year Order for the existing area, duplicating the existing 2025 City Centre PSPO alcohol condition to include it within the newly expanded PSPO, and adding further conditions targeted at the identified behaviours.
Councillor Anna Perrett, Executive Member with responsibility for Safer Communities, said: “A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who took part in this consultation – your feedback helps us understand local experiences of anti-social behaviour and whether the additional PSPO conditions would be an appropriate and proportionate response. I look forward to hearing any comments and recommendations arising from the committee meeting.”
Following People Scrutiny, a final decision on the proposals is due to be made by the Council’s Executive on 3 November 2026.