New Penalties for Dog Fouling and Public Drinking
Dog owners could face fines of up to £500 from Monday, June 29, as the Crime & Policing Act 2026 takes effect. The legislation grants local authorities greater flexibility in tackling antisocial behaviour, including dog fouling and public drinking. John Roberts, chief services officer of Kingdom Local Authority Support (LAS), which assists councils across the UK, warned that many people may be unaware of the changes. He stated that breaches of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) will soon carry "over double" the current cost.
Increase in Fixed Penalty Notices
Under the new Act, the maximum Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) for breaching PSPOs and Community Protection Notices (CPNs) rises from £100 to £500. Roberts explained: "This is not an automatic increase, but it does give councils the ability to set penalties at a higher level where appropriate." He added that the change aligns PSPO-related offences with other environmental enforcement powers, providing a stronger deterrent against repeat or serious offences.
What Are PSPOs?
Introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, PSPOs allow local authorities to prohibit or mandate specific behaviours in designated public areas to reduce antisocial behaviour. Many councils across England have implemented PSPOs in inner-city centres, targeting dog fouling, public drinking, and littering. From June 29, individuals found in breach of a PSPO that specifically references these actions risk a fine of up to £500, depending on the council's use of the new upper limit.
Criminal Offence and Appeals
Roberts emphasised: "Breaching a PSPO is considered a criminal offence." He noted that many PSPOs, especially in university-residential areas or town centres, already enforce measures against public drinking. Those who believe they have been wrongly issued an FPN can appeal in the High Court within six weeks of receipt. Roberts advised: "I’d advise anyone concerned about such issues in their locality to check online and around town centres in particular whether a PSPO is in effect."
Broader Impact of the Crime & Policing Act 2026
The Crime & Policing Act 2026, which received Royal Assent on April 29, 2026, is a wide-ranging piece of legislation overhauling crime handling in the UK. It affects street policing, protest laws, and corporate accountability. While the Act became law in April, its provisions are being phased in, with June 29 marking a major milestone for the increased FPN limits.
