More Powers, More Fines: Hartlepool Council Eyes Up Public Space Protection Order Expansion...

York Rd, Hartlepool, which has seen a significant increase in crime and ASB

Hartlepool Council Moves to Expand Public Space Protection Orders in Proposals set to go before Councillors.

16th Jan 2026

Hartlepool Borough Council is seeking the approval to introduce two new Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) covering the town centre and certain designated back streets, following a public consultation which ran from November 2025 to January 2026. The proposals are set to be presented to the Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee on 26th of January 2026 and represent a significant expansion of the council’s enforcement powers in public spaces

What Are Public Space Protection Orders?

Issues such as begging in public, could soon be effectively 'criminalised' under the new plans

PSPOs are powers created under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 which allow local councils to criminalise certain behaviours in public spaces where those activities are deemed to have a persistent and detrimental impact on quality of life.

Once in force, a PSPO makes it a criminal offence to breach its conditions. Breaches can result in:

• A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), or

• Prosecution in the Magistrates’ Court, with fines of up to £1,000 on conviction.

Enforcement is carried out by police officers or authorised council officers, such as Civil Enforcement Officers and Anti-Social Behaviour Officers.

The Two New PSPOs Being Proposed

1. Town Centre PSPO

The proposed Town Centre PSPO would cover a large area of central Hartlepool, broadly aligning with the area already targeted under the Tees Valley Combined Authority Shared Prosperity Fund. The council says this is in response to escalating reports of anti-social behaviour, particularly around Church Street, Church Square, and “The Ramp” near Middleton Grange Shopping Centre.

Behaviours proposed to be restricted or prohibited include:

• Acting in groups in a way likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress

• Verbal abuse

• Drinking alcohol in public and refusing to surrender it when requested

• Drug use, including injecting, smoking or inhaling substances

• Public urination, defecation or spitting

• Rummaging through bins and littering

• Riding e-scooters, e-bikes, scooters or skateboards in a way that causes nuisance or danger

• Begging and busking

• Approaching members of the public for charity donations without a licence

2. Back Street PSPO

The New PSPO's would give councils greater powers to address environmental issues such as fly tipping

The second PSPO would apply to designated back streets across Hartlepool, giving council officers greater powers to address environmental and access issues that are frequently complained about by residents.

Proposed restrictions include:

• Obstructing back lanes with vehicles, caravans or trailers

• Fly-tipping and littering

• Inappropriate waste presentation

• Failing to maintain property in a way that obstructs access

• Preventing access required for refuse collection or emergency services

  
  

Enforcement Powers and Limitations

In the report set to go before councillors next week, Hartlepool Borough Council acknowledges that PSPOs are not a silver bullet, with many individuals involved in persistent anti-social behaviour are described in the report as having complex needs, often linked to addiction, homelessness, or chaotic lifestyles.

Importantly:

• Council enforcement officers cannot demand names and addresses, unlike police officers.

• Fixed penalties may be ineffective for people who cannot afford to pay.

• Police support will still be required, particularly outside council working hours.

  
  

The council states that enforcement will be “proportionate” and that warnings and signposting to support services may be used instead of fines in some cases..

Financial and Staffing Pressures

Despite the expanded enforcement role, the report confirms that No additional funding is available, with Enforcement having to be delivered from existing staff resource, with a risk that PSPO enforcement could impact other services due to workload pressures. Its also claimed additional signage will be required, although this is described as a one-off cost.

Civil Liberties and Wider Concerns

PSPOs fundamentally restricts what people can and cannot do in public spaces, raising ongoing concerns about proportionality and unintended consequences. The Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland acknowledged during consultation that PSPOs can disproportionately impact homeless individuals, particularly where begging is concerned giving rise to questions over Civil Liberties & Human Rights.

The council claims safeguards will be in place, including, Warnings instead of fines where appropriate, Referral to support services & Temporary suspension of debt recovery in cases of genuine financial hardship with Councillors being asked to approve the new PSPO's which, if approved, can last up to three years and in some cases, may be renewed indefinitely following further consultation.

PSPOs will significantly expand the council’s power to regulate everyday behaviour in public spaces. While many residents support action on anti-social behaviour, critics claim these orders also blur the line between public safety and criminalisation of poverty, addiction, and homelessness with many watching closely to see how these powers are going to be enforced, and whether they genuinely improve quality of life for people living in Hartlepool—or push visible problems out of sight.