The London borough of Barnet, which bans street drinking and has strict rules on dog walkers, raised £6,600. Councils in Sandwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, Barking, Enfield, Colchester and Rochdale are using PSPOs against beggars and have issued a combined 70 fines. Swearing is banned by a dozen councils and gathering in groups is banned in some areas controlled by nine councils. Facebook Twitter Pinterest PSPOs have spread beyond concerns such as making sure dog walkers clean up after their pets. Looking at “offensive” materials is banned in libraries in north Somerset, and distributing leaflets is banned in several places.

Source: The Guardian December 27, 2019 11:37 UTC