The six Birmingham Orders to protect areas from anti social behaviour - as council looks to combat aggressive begging

Birmingham City Council is proposing aggressive/intrusive begging be added to a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), set to be renewed this month, amid concerns from frustrated businesses.

The city centre PSPO deals specifically with groups/gangs, alcohol/substance misuse and graffiti.

But the council said new anti-social issues that fell outside the scope of the current order – including aggressive begging – had become more prevalent.

It also wants to address urination and defecation in public places as well as the improper disposal of drug paraphernalia.

The city centre PSPO is just one of many in Birmingham, all of which target specific behaviours in certain areas.

Here’s a look at the orders in place or planned across the city and what they prevent residents from doing.

1. Erdington

A PSPO covering the area within and surrounding Erdington High Street expired towards the end of 2024 but proposals were put forward to renew it for a further three years.

The prohibitions within the order were previously put into place following a number of reports from residents, businesses and professionals who live and work in the Birmingham suburb.

The behaviours complained about included substance misuse, the disposal of needles, alcohol, defecation, groups displaying intimidating behaviours and begging.

The new PSPO targets activities such as individuals or groups causing anti-social behaviour, loitering or begging, being under the influence of intoxicating substances and/or alcohol whilst in a public space, urination or defecation, and disposal of drug paraphernalia.

2. New Street and High Street, Birmingham city centre

This PSPO covers parts of New Street and High Street in the city centre and expires later this year.

It’s in place to target the use of amplification equipment, such as microphones and loudspeakers, and musical instruments in certain areas.

The order reads: “A person is prohibited at all times from using amplification equipment to broadcast sound to third parties, musical instruments or other items used as musical instruments within the areas marked in green on the map of the restricted area.

“A person is prohibited between the hours of 8pm and 8am from using amplification equipment to broadcast sound to third parties, musical instruments or other items used as musical instruments within the areas marked in yellow on the map of the restricted area.”

3. New Street and Temple Street, Birmingham city centre

A similar PSPO is in place within the restricted area in New Street and Temple Street.

Like the previous order, it targets the use of amplification equipment and musical instruments.

“A person is prohibited at all times from using amplification equipment to broadcast sound to third parties, musical instruments or other items used as musical instruments within the areas marked in green on the map of the restricted area,” it reads.

“A person is prohibited between the hours of 8pm and 8am from using amplification equipment to broadcast sound to third parties, musical instruments or other items used as musical instruments within the areas marked in yellow on the map of the restricted area.”

4. Robert Clinic, Station Road B30

This order covers the area within and surrounding Station Road in Kings Norton, which is where the Robert Clinic is based.

The activities prohibited by the PSPO include protesting with respect to issues related to abortion services, by any means.

It also prohibits:

Interfering, or attempting to interfere, whether verbally or physically, with a Robert Clinic service user, visitor or member of staff.

Intimidating or harassing, or attempting to intimidate or harass, a Robert Clinic service user, visitor or a member of staff.

Recording or photographing a Robert Clinic service user, visitor or member of staff.

Displaying any text or images relating directly or indirectly to the termination of pregnancy.

Coun Nicky Brennan, cabinet member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said last year: “It is important that women are not harassed when visiting the Robert Clinic for health care, as they deserve privacy and understanding during what must be a difficult time for them.”

5. Moseley and Kings Heath

The Moseley and Kings Heath PSPO covers parts of the two south Birmingham suburbs and is not set to expire until September 2027.

The activities it targets include groups causing anti-social behaviour; being under the influence of intoxicating substance and/or alcohol while in a public place; and damage or destruction of property (graffiti).

Referring to this PSPO coming into effect, as well as one for Lozells, East Handsworth and Soho, Coun Brennan said last September: “After consultation with the local communities, it was evident there was a requirement for a PSPO in these areas.

“The PSPOs will hopefully deter anti-social behaviour and make the lives of those living and working in Lozells, East Handsworth, Soho, Moseley and Kings Heath easier.

“If anyone see anyone breaking these conditions, we urge you to inform the police on 101.”

6. Soho, Lozells & East Handsworth

The PSPO which covers parts of Soho, Lozells and East Handsworth also does not expire until 2027.

The activities it specifically prohibits include groups causing anti-social behaviour; being under the influence of intoxicating substance and/or alcohol while in a public place; and obstructing footpaths and inappropriate use of bus shelters.