Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approved a public consultation is undertaken to evidence and support the renewal of the orders in their current form from 1 July 2026.

KEY DECISION:

Yes

PORTFOLIO:

Community, Safety and Wellbeing

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Community, Safety and Wellbeing introduced and endorsed the report, noting there was only one year until expiration of the two Public Space Protection Orders. It was explained that the PSPOs had been a successful vehicle for communication, discussion, engagement and learning on the matter across the New Forest.

The Strategic Director of Housing and Communities provided further points of information on the report. He explained that the overarching aim continued to be to educate residents and visitors on protecting the New Forest and its animals. The level of interactions and mixture of interactions through both PSPOs showed the level of education which had been given. The Fire Service had reported a reduction in fire incidents which was a positive outcome in the last year. The number of fixed penalty notices that had been issued was low and therefore also reflected that engagements had mostly resulted in the ceasing of activities. The Strategic Director of Housing and Communities explained that Option A within the recommendations paragraph was the option being recommended to Cabinet as opposed to Options B and C. It was confirmed that Option A had been supported by the Housing and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Panel.

Portfolio Holders agreed that most residents and visitors to the New Forest wanted to conform to the rules and to help protect the Forest and its animals. The focus was on education rather than enforcement. It was remarked that there had been a high number of incidents and that there had been some high-profile incidents. Cabinet commented that the high-profile incidents had provided new platforms by which the guidance could be publicised. It was acknowledged that the Council and its partners, such as the Forestry England, had worked hard on monitoring and educating on the matter throughout the last year.

A non-Cabinet member asked a question on public interaction. The Strategic Director of Housing and Communities explained that any incidents should be raised with the Council and that the consultation would give the Council fresh advice on how to promote the information and awareness. It was heard that meetings had taken place with the Commoners Association and other bodies across the Forest to work on signage and how best to target visitors and residents. The Safer New Forest partnership had also done lots of work over Summer to work with partners so that tourist hotspots would have the relevant literature available.

The Leader clarified the recommendations and proposed that Cabinet support Option A.