U-turn likely on Exeter beggars legislation

Controversial powers to deal with encampments on public land and begging, should not be adopted as part of a Public Spaces Protection Order, officers at Exeter City Council are likely to recommend.

The move comes as the Council revealed it had received more than 1,200 responses following a 4-month consultation exercise into whether a Public Spaces Protection Order should be introduced in Exeter.

These responses are now being carefully considered to inform a report that will go before councillors in the summer.

Council Leader Pete Edwards said that whilst results were being fully considered, initial indications are that certain parts of the Public Spaces Protection Order were opposed by many.

“We will carefully consider all the views received,” said Cllr Edwards. “This is exactly why we extended the consultation period, to hear what people had to say.

“This is an emotive piece of legislation with passions on both sides of the argument running high. However, with regard to these particular elements, officers are likely to recommend that they shouldn't be adopted as part of any Order.

“We shouldn’t forget that anti-social behaviour is the primary focus of the Public Spaces Protection Order. The consultation was brought about because of strong public concern about anti-social behaviour in the city centre.’

Cllr Keith Owen, Lead Councillor for Health and Place, said: "We certainly wouldn't want to pre-empt a report that will be presented to full Council in the summer.

"All views will be carefully considered and I'd like to thank everyone for taking the time and trouble to feedback on what is a complex issue."