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Sheffield city centre anti-social behaviour action praised as success – The Star
Sheffield’s public spaces protection order (PSPO), introduced to address anti-social behaviour in the city centre, has been praised after recorded breaches fell by about half. Support organisations also welcomed the approach of combining enforcement with help for vulnerable people, including those experiencing homelessness.
In the first six months, breaches averaged 381 a month, compared with 186 a month afterwards. People were asked to leave the area 1,639 times, and officers gave advice or support on 895 occasions; six cases went to court, resulting in fines totalling £2,384. Councillors said they want further investigation into whether the behaviour has shifted to other areas.
In short
- Recorded breaches fell by about half.
- Support and advice were given 895 times.
- Councillors raised concerns about displacement.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters can argue that the sharp fall in recorded breaches suggests the order has helped make Sheffield city centre safer and more welcoming. Its combination of enforcement with advice and support recognises that some people causing concern may also be vulnerable, while court action and fines provide a route for dealing with persistent breaches.
The case against
Critics can argue that fewer recorded breaches do not by themselves show that underlying problems have been resolved; behaviour may have moved elsewhere, as councillors have acknowledged. They may also question whether an order that can require people to leave public spaces affects vulnerable people disproportionately, and call for evidence that enforcement is fair and support is effective.
Explained simply
A public spaces protection order, or PSPO, is a local council rule that can restrict certain behaviour in a defined area. In Sheffield city centre, the order was introduced to give officers a way to respond to conduct considered disruptive or harmful in public spaces.
The council and police are among those involved in enforcing the rules, while support organisations work with people who may be vulnerable, including people experiencing homelessness. The approach matters because councils must consider both the effect of anti-social behaviour on people using city spaces and the needs of those who may need help.
The order applies to a particular area, so changes in recorded breaches do not show on their own whether problems have reduced overall or moved elsewhere. That is why the effects beyond the city centre are also relevant.
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