Minutes:
The Chairman introduced the item.
A statement was read by Mr Free which focused on: The lack of consultation before enforcing the PSPO (public space protection order), the detrimental effects of the housing act which would come into force from April 2018 and sought answers as to the guidance and advice received before implementing the PSOP.
A statement was read by Mr Wood which focused on: homeless veterans and gave an example of a supreme court ruling which was won against the government and ruled that homeless people should get priority needs.
Ceri Williams, Head of Prevention of Harm, Health Promotion & Prevention at Wiltshire Council, informed the meeting of the background and purpose of the PSPO.
Since 2010 Warminster had in place a Designated Public Place order (DPPO). The Antiocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing act 2014 replaced the DPPO with the PSPO which aimed to ensure that public places would be free of antisocial disorder. The PSPO would last for three years and would be reviewed looking at its effectiveness. Guidance issued by the Local Government Association stated that any Orders in existence post 21 October 2017 would automatically be transferred to a PSPO and include any conditions covered by the DPPO.
It was noted that the order did not specifically target the homeless but all antisocial behaviour aiming to create family friendly spaces. A breach of the order could result in a fixed penalty notice, although officers would need to be certain that the individual could pay the fine. In most cases the individual may be asked to leave the designated area or the alcohol may be confiscated. In a bid to change behaviour, those who receive a fine are able to attend a drug and alcohol course and the fine would be waivered.
A number of questions and comments were made by the public regarding rough sleepers and support available for the homeless.
In response to the comments, Sarah Johnson, Assertive Outreach Worker, introduced herself and gave details on what her role entailed.
Sarah’s role involved reaching out, identifying and working with people who had slipped through or been failed by the system. This involved meeting with rough sleepers frequently, building trust and ultimately helping them build their lives again.
A major piece of work carried out by Sarah was negotiating with services such as banks, the department for work and pensions and housing, To enable the homeless to have access the internet, access services, claim benefits and setting up their own bank accounts without having a permanent address or formal ID.
It was noted that the number of homeless people throughout Wiltshire known to services stood at 35, although they were aware that this number was likely an underestimate and work was being done to try and identify and find those unknown to the service.
Questions and comments were received from the public focusing on the need to commission the actual numbers of homeless people and how Police Officers would know, when issuing fines, that the individual could afford the fine or not or identify if they were vulnerable.
Inspector Fee, Sector Inspector, introduced himself and explained the priorities when dealing with the homeless.
Policing had changed significantly compared to 5-10 years ago and Officers find themselves working similar to social workers in that they are much better at identifying vulnerable people because they work in a multiagency way. Their aim when working with the homeless was to show compassion and care by offering help, support and sign posting. A key part of delivering Policing in Wiltshire was to understand what other agencies offer and how they work so Officers are up to date and able to sign post when needed.
Questions and comments were received from the public focusing on the need to evaluate the DPPO before implementing the PSPO, abolishment of the PSPO, other tool which could be used by the Police instead of the PSPO and sought confirmation that buskers, beggars and rough sleepers would not be criminalised and that no amendments would be made to the order without public consultation.
Ceri Williams informed the meeting that a working group to evaluate the PSPO had been set up which included a variety of stakeholders such as the Town Council and confirmed that no busker, beggar or rough sleeper would be criminalised and that any change to the order would involve public consultation.
At the end of the debate it was noted that the Area Board was unable to abolish or make a decision on the PSPO at the meeting and the next step was for a report to be produced by the working group in partnership with stakeholders, to analyse the evidence and evaluate the PSPO.
Decision
It was agreed that the next step was for the working group, in partnership with stakeholders, to analyse the evidence, evaluate the PSPO and produce a report.
There was a five minute adjournment.