Barnet Council is set to renew its borough-wide Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) and introduce three new orders to tackle anti-social behaviour. The existing PSPO, first implemented in December 2022, has been deemed effective in addressing a range of issues, prompting its renewal for a further three years. The new orders are set to commence operation from 00:01hrs on Tuesday, 9th December 2025, and will end on 23:59hrs on Friday, 8th December 2028.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, to discuss the effectiveness of the current PSPO and the proposals for new orders. Councillor Sarah Conway, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, highlighted the significant community support for the renewal of the PSPO, stating it had been effective in tackling anti-social behaviour. The existing PSPO (PSPO1) has been effective in tackling issues such as alcohol-related nuisance, harassment or aggressive conduct, dog-related offences, urination and defecation in public, aggressive begging, and unlicensed music events. An assessment of PSPO1's operation shows that it successfully contributed to reductions in problem behaviours, helped deter repeat offending, and empowered officers to address issues proactively.

Bar chart showing the number of new ECINS cases created in FY 2023/24, categorized by type of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and other.
Bar chart showing the number of new ECINS cases created in FY 2023/24, categorized by type of anti-social behaviour (ASB) and other.

The proposed new orders will address specific concerns including prohibitions on bird feeding, gating orders in Burnt Oak, and loitering offences in designated wards. These measures aim to tackle issues that have a detrimental effect on the quality of life for residents.

Details of the New Orders:

  • Bird Feeding Prohibitions (PSPO2): This borough-wide order prohibits the feeding of pigeons in public spaces. Feeding pigeons includes providing food directly or leaving food in areas accessible to them. For a first offence by a person under 18, instead of enforcement, the individual will be engaged with verbally or via letter to explain the unintended health impacts and clean-up costs to the council.
    Bar charts illustrating public opinion on various Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) related to feeding birds, anti-social behaviour in specific locations, and loitering causing intimidation.
    Bar charts illustrating public opinion on various Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) related to feeding birds, anti-social behaviour in specific locations, and loitering causing intimidation.
  • Gating Orders (PSPO3): This order applies to Burnt Oak ward, prohibiting entry into specific gated-off areas located between Market Lane and Silkstream Road, and between the old Market in Barnfield Car Park and the adjacent stairwell to Watling Avenue. Entry into these areas without reasonable excuse constitutes an offence.
  • Loitering Offences (PSPO4): This order prohibits loitering in designated wards: Burnt Oak, Colindale North, Colindale South, Edgware, Finchley Church End, West Finchley, and East Finchley. Loitering is defined as being in a public place in a manner that is, or is likely to be, perceived as causing nuisance, annoyance, intimidation, harassment, alarm, or distress to others, if the individual refuses to move on when asked by an authorised person. This applies if the behaviour is persistent, unreasonable, or has a detrimental effect on the quality of life in the locality.
    Map showing the area covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Barnet, including Edgware, Burnt Oak, and Colindale.
    Map showing the area covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Barnet, including Edgware, Burnt Oak, and Colindale.

During the meeting, councillors raised questions regarding public awareness of the PSPO and the process for reporting breaches. Maggie Highton-Brown, Head of Community Safety, explained that a communication programme, including animated social media videos, is underway to improve publicity. She also clarified that non-payment of Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) can lead to court proceedings, and Barnet has a payment rate of over 70%, which is considered high within London. Individuals who commit an offence under the proposed PSPOs are liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 2 on the standard scale for Prohibition 1 (alcohol related anti-social behaviour) or level 3 on the standard scale for Prohibitions 2 to 14. A fixed penalty notice (FPN) may be issued as an opportunity to discharge liability for conviction. If an FPN is not paid within the required timescale, the matter may revert to prosecuting the individual through the court for the offence of failing to comply with the Public Space Protection Order.

Concerns were also raised about the clarity of data presented, with Councillor Peter Zinkin suggesting that PSPO-related data should be separated from other enforcement data to better understand its specific impact. The committee agreed to make recommendations for future reports to provide more specific data on the impact of the PSPOs.

Bar chart illustrating the number of CCTV incidents by type, with 'Beggar' and 'ASB' having the highest reported incidents.
Bar chart illustrating the number of CCTV incidents by type, with 'Beggar' and 'ASB' having the highest reported incidents.

The renewal of the existing PSPO and the introduction of the new orders reflect the council's ongoing commitment to ensuring public spaces are safe and enjoyable for all residents. The enforcement of PSPOs in Barnet by the Council is already part of the Community Safety Team's existing budget within the overall Assurance & Public Protection budget, which was £11.28m (net) in 2025/26. Signage costs for PSPOs are also covered by this existing budget.

For more details on the proposed orders, refer to the relevant appendices in the public reports pack: Appendix A - PSPO1, Appendix B - PSPO2, Appendix C - PSPO3, and Appendix D - PSPO4. The full agenda and reports for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting can be found here.