Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Councils Surge Using PSPOs to Ban Swearing, Profit from Fines

4/29/2026

33 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

One in five councils have banned swearing under “busybody” orders, a ten-fold rise since 2022, and 271 of 297 councils hold at least one public spaces protection order, adding 1,268 orders.
Seventy-five percent of 25,000 fines in 2025 were issued by private firms paid per-fine, for profit.
The handcuffing of a 17-year-old busker in Bury and the fine of a 70-year-old for flying a flag show PSPOs target community activities.

1 of 1

Story summary

One in five councils have banned swearing under “busybody” orders, a ten-fold rise since 2022, and 271 of 297 councils hold at least one public spaces protection order, adding 1,268 orders.
Seventy-five percent of 25,000 fines in 2025 were issued by private firms paid per-fine, for profit.
The handcuffing of a 17-year-old busker in Bury and the fine of a 70-year-old for flying a flag show PSPOs target community activities.