People in York worried about rising anti-social behaviour, consultation finds
Extra city centre rules are being reviewed today
People in York say anti-social behaviour in the city centre is getting worse, according to a report on a public consultation.
The report is being reviewed today, Monday 26th October, by City of York Council's People Scrutiny Committee.
It looks at a proposal to extend the existing alcohol-related public space protection order (PSPO) for the city centre, with extra conditions.
What the consultation found
The consultation took place in August and September 2026.
More than 500 people responded.
There were also in-person sessions with a wide range of stakeholders, including people working with or with current experience of homelessness.
The report says the main view is that people living in the city, visitors and many businesses are seeing rising anti-social behaviour and more street drinking.
It says they also report growing intimidation and a reduced feeling of safety.
They fear damage to York's reputation as a family-friendly destination.
The council says the results show strong support for introducing further PSPO controls.
Concerns raised
The council says a significant minority of respondents were also worried about the proposals.
Their concerns included criminalising homelessness, and displacing problems to other areas.
They also raised the need for enforcement to be visible and properly resourced, and the risk of a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups.
The council says its Human Rights and Equalities Impact Assessment has been revised in response to the feedback.
It says the assessment sets out how any negative impacts would be reduced through a support-first, proportionate and monitored approach.
What is being proposed
The proposed order would not extend the geographical area of the city centre PSPO.
It would adopt a new three-year order for the existing area.
That would carry over the alcohol condition from the existing 2025 city centre PSPO.
It would also add further conditions targeted at the behaviours identified in the consultation.
What happens next
After the scrutiny meeting, the council's Executive is due to make a final decision on the proposals on 3rd November.
Cllr Anna Perrett, the council's executive member for safer communities, said: "A big 'thank you' to everyone who took part in this consultation - your feedback helps us understand local experiences of anti-social behaviour and whether the additional PSPO conditions would be an appropriate and proportionate response. I look forward to hearing any comments and recommendations arising from the committee meeting."