7. Will the Cabinet Secretary make a statement on the use of public spaces protection orders to ensure community safety? (OAQ51017)

I thank the Member for her question. The use of PSP orders is a matter for local authorities, who must consult with their local police force and community representatives.

That’s a bit brave. Okay. With the introduction of public spaces protection orders going forward, you’ll be aware of the media outcry, actually, in Conway, with the previous cabinet, I might add, where it has been proven that enforcement officers—external ones—have been very overzealous in terms of targeting my constituents and visitors. Now, with the public spaces protection orders going forward, we’re being told that this is a remedy. How are you going to be working, Cabinet Secretary, with the UK Government and our chief constables across Wales to perhaps look at making PCSOs in uniform more involved in these kinds of environmental crimes, going forward. I have raised it before with you and with your predecessor—about how we can perhaps have a more uniform approach in terms of enforcement across Wales, and, certainly, I do believe that Conwy County Borough Council isn’t the only one where there are issues regarding the enforcement of FPNs and those kinds of environmental crimes.

I think the Member is right to raise the issue. Public spaces protection orders were established under sections 59 to 65 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They are a matter for local authorities and the police. I would also encourage support from the Member in regard to the devolution of policing. Therefore, we would be able to manage all of these issues from the Welsh Government, as opposed to asking her colleagues to try and help us with trying to change for the better our communities, with the support of the police and PCSOs.