Barnet Council is considering implementing a borough-wide ban on pigeon feeding in public spaces, as part of a broader effort to address anti-social behaviour and improve the quality of life for residents. The proposal was discussed at a Cabinet meeting on 18 November 2025, where councillors considered authorising four new Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).

The cabinet is considering continuing an existing borough-wide PSPO that includes 11 prohibitions addressing key community safety issues raised regularly by residents, as detailed in Appendix A: PSPO order No 1 of 2025 (Draft Order) – Barnet Borough Wide PSPO 2025-2028. The four new PSPO arms outlined in Appendices A to D are:

  • Appendix A: A borough-wide order addressing alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, harassment, dog fouling, and misuse of psychoactive substances.
  • Appendix B: A borough-wide order specifically targeting the feeding of pigeons in public spaces.
  • Appendix C: A gating order for Burnt Oak ward.
  • Appendix D: A 'no loitering' order for Burnt Oak, Colindale North, Colindale South, Edgware, Finchley Church End, West Finchley, and East Finchley wards.

The proposed PSPOs, which would last for three years, are designed to tackle nuisances that negatively impact local communities. One of the orders specifically targets the feeding of pigeons in public spaces across the borough. Other proposed PSPOs include measures to address alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, harassment, dog fouling, misuse of psychoactive substances, and loitering in certain wards.

The report pack for the meeting included a summary of a public consultation on the proposed PSPOs. The consultation indicated broad support for the borough-wide order, but mixed views on the new conditions, particularly the restrictions on feeding birds and anti-social behaviour in stairwells. While 75.4% supported the prohibition on feeding birds, there was higher neutrality (14.2%) and opposition (10.4%) compared to other conditions. Conditions 13a and 13b, prohibitions on anti-social behaviour in stairwell areas (Market Lane/Silkstream; Barnfield Car Park) showed low support (45%), with a majority of respondents neutral (52–54%).

Councillor Clarke commented on the difference the PSPO has made over the last three years, and the importance of visible signage to empower the community.

Councillor Conway, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Community Cohesion and Ending Violence Against Women & Girls, thanked the team that worked on the PSPOs, adding that they have really added to the capacity of the borough to deal with some of the key community safety issues that residents raise regularly .

Councillor Rawlings, Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Partnerships, Economy, and Effective Council, noted that the cabinet was looking at continuing the existing PSPO, which is borough wide, but also adding four specific ones, ranging from specific places like in Burnt Oak and the War on Pigeons that I know we're all happy with.

Councillor Houston welcomed the policy, noting that the residents of the wards and, for example, in the loitering one, the wards affected, you know, Burnt Oak, Collendale, North and South, Edgware, East Finchley, Finchley Church End, and West Finchley will be really grateful that the local safer neighbourhood police teams have another piece of ammunition in terms of dealing with some of the antisocial behaviour problems in those areas.

If approved, the borough-wide pigeon feeding ban would be enforced through fixed penalty notices and potential prosecution for repeat offenders. The aim is to reduce the mess and potential health hazards associated with large pigeon populations in public areas.

The Cabinet is asked to note the contents of the report and appendices and approve the four new PSPO arms set out in the appendices A to D in Barnett.