SCREENING
Review of Public Space Protection Orders and Results of the Consultation Process
Last updated 25 August 2026
Contents
Is this a full or screening equality impact assessment?
Screening
Name of service or policy been assessed
Review of Public Space Protection Orders and Results of the Consultation Process
Is this a new or existing service or policy?
Existing
Officer responsible for service/policy/project
Kathryn Underhill Community & Strategic Projects Manager
Relevant cabinet member
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts and Community Safety
What is the purpose? What are the outcomes?
Purpose of a PSPO • Designed to stop people committing anti-social behaviour in a public space. • To address behaviour having or likely to have a detrimental effect on quality of life. The behaviour must be persistent or continuing in nature. Breaching the order is a criminal offence and it allows the Council to issue a Fixed Penalty Notice of £100. However, should the matter be taken to court and following a successful conviction, magistrates have the power to order the offender to pay a fine of up to £1,000.
Are there any statutory requirements? Who are the main customer groups / stakeholders?
Implementation of PSPOs must meet the statutory guidance to accompany the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act. The PSPOs generally apply to all. The dog control PSPO applies to all those responsible for or in charge of a dog at the time an offence may be committed.
Who is intended to benefit from this service/policy? How will they benefit?
All residents, visitors and businesses will benefit as the PSPOs will assist the police and council in tackling anti social behaviour across the district. The PSPOs aim to promote a consistent, effective and fair approach to enforcement to protect the environment for the benefit of the community and provide a safe place to live, work and visit.
What information are you using? What does the evidence show you?
PSPO Consultation survey exercise conducted 2/07/26 - 03/08/26 Evidence gathered by the Council itself and from other partners and associated agencies including the Analyst and Intelligence Team at West Mercia Police, which provided an anti-social behaviour report that was considered as part of the delegated decision to go ahead with consultation. Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
What is the impact on the protected characteristic age?
Neutral
Age: impact based on age, including direct and indirect discrimination, harassment, and victimisation.
The conditions within the proposed PSPOs apply to all age groups over age 16 without singling out any group.
What is the impact on the protected characteristic disability?
Positive
Disability: impact for individuals with physical or mental impairments that have a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
There is no impact on people with disabilities regarding the alcohol related PSPO - neutral impact. Dog Control PSPO - There is no adverse impact on those with disabilities as exemptions apply, The Wyre Forest PSPO states that the offences—including dog fouling, exclusion zones, or keeping dogs on leads—do not apply to any person who: Is registered blind: Anyone registered as a blind person in a register compiled under section 29 of the National Assistance Act 1948. Has specific physical impairments: Anyone with a disability that severely affects their mobility, manual dexterity, or ability to lift, carry, or move everyday objects. Uses an accredited assistance dog: The individual must rely on an assistance dog trained by official members of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)
What is the impact on the protected characteristic gender reassignment?
Neutral
Gender reassignment: impact for individuals who are in the process of, or have undergone, a gender reassignment, including those who are transitioning or have transitioned.
There is no impact on any particular sex.
What is the impact on the protected characteristic marriage and civil partnership?
Neutral
Marriage and civil partnership: impact for individuals based on their marital status or the status of their civil partnership.
There is no impact.
What is the impact on the protected characteristic pregnancy or maternity?
Neutral
Pregnancy or maternity: impact pregnant women and those on maternity leave.
There is no impact relating to pregnancy and maternity.
What is the impact on the protected characteristic race?
Neutral
Race: impact on different ethnic groups, including ethnicity, nationality, and national origin, migrant communities and Gypsies/Roma/Travellers
There is no impact on any particular race.
What is the impact on the protected characteristic religion or belief
Neutral
Religion or belief: impact on people who practise different religions or have different beliefs, including non-belief
There is no impact on religion or belief (or lack of belief).
What is the impact on the protected characteristic sex?
Neutral
Sex: impact based on their sex, including men and women
There is no impact on the sex.
What is the impact on the protected characteristic sexual orientation?
Neutral
Sexual orientation: impact based on their sexual orientation, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, and heterosexual individuals.
There is no impact on the sexuality protected characteristic
What is the impact on the protected characteristics covering other?
Positive
Other; consider impact for other reasons such as deprivation, health inequalities, urban/rural divide, community safety.
The PSPOs seek to ensure the Town Centres and the district remain safe places to live, visit and work. This has a positive impact on society as well as helping to assist the economic development of the Town Centres.
Can any differential impact be justified? (e.g. promoting equality of opportunity)
Impact level is neutral. The PSPOs do not affect the Council's duty to promote the equality of opportunity.
Does any adverse impact amount to unlawful discrimination?
Impact level is neutral. The PSPOs help strengthen the Council’s ability to tackle discrimination and harassment by providing the ability for an authorised officer to enforce against a list of specified anti-social behaviours.
What alternative actions could be taken to mitigate any adverse impact? (add these to the action plan)
Impact level is neutral. No aspects of the PSPOs are considered to contribute to inequalities.
Detail any specific consultation on this service/policy (if there is insufficient data, further consultation will need to be undertaken and included in the action plan)
PSPO Consultation survey exercise conducted 2/07/26 - 03/08/26 Officers have adequate information to design PSPOs so they can be more effective in helping to enforce against ASB.
Can the service/policy proceed?
Yes
How will the service/policy be monitored and reviewed? (please give timescale)
Ongoing monitoring will assess the effectiveness of the PSPOs. This will be done at 6 and 12 months. Subsequently on an annual basis. To meet the statutory requirements of the Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 the PSPOs must be formally reviewed every 3 years.
Is a full assessment required?
No
Officer completing equality impact assessment
Kathryn Underhill Community & Strategic Projects Manager
Date of completion
20/08/2026