Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To note that the findings of the public consultation within Appendix C to the report, which ended on 15^th February 2021, indicate overwhelming support for the introduction of a boroughwide Public Spaces Protection Order.

2.    Exercising the power under section 59 of the Antisocial Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014, to agree to make a boroughwide Public Spaces Protection Order to deal with antisocial behaviour and nuisance linked to the recreational use of psychoactive substances, e.g. nitrous oxide, with the prohibitions set out in Appendix A to the report for a period of 3 years, expiring on 27^th April 2024.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, HEALTH, ADULTS AND COMMUNITY (D. RADLEY)

(Director of Community Safety (A. Corbett)

Councillor Sirajul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Faith and Equalities, introduced the report on the proposed introduction of a borough-wide Public Spaces Protection Order to deal with the use of psychoactive substances (nitrous oxide) and related anti-social behaviour. This is an issue that residents regularly highlight as a problem that needed tackling.

The report shows how big the problem is and the level of public support for enacting the order – which was over 90% from the consultation. The plan was to work with support services to engage and encourage change and only enforce as a last resort to avoid unnecessarily criminalising young people.

During discussion it was noted how important it was to be sensitive to the impact on young people of the Order and how working with them to avoid formal enforcement was the aim of the plan. This project would involve a number of partners including the police and Tower Hamlets Homes who would meet regularly to monitor its effectiveness.

The Mayor thanked officers for their work on this issue. He noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses. He then moved the recommendations as set out, these were agreed without dissent and it was:

RESOLVED

1.    To note that the findings of the public consultation within Appendix C to the report, which ended on 15^th February 2021, indicate overwhelming support for the introduction of a boroughwide Public Spaces Protection Order.

2.    Exercising the power under section 59 of the Antisocial Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014, to agree to make a boroughwide Public Spaces Protection Order to deal with antisocial behaviour and nuisance linked to the recreational use of psychoactive substances, e.g. nitrous oxide, with the prohibitions set out in Appendix A to the report for a period of 3 years, expiring on 27^th April 2024.