Sharp Rise in Council-Issued 'Busybody' Fines Sparks Debate Over Fairness

New data reveals a 42% increase in penalties for minor public offenses, with private firms enforcing most fines under controversial council powers.

Councils in England and Wales issued 19,162 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) in 2023, up from 13,443 in 2022, marking a 42% increase.
The majority of these fines were for minor infractions like dog-related offenses, public drinking, and spitting, often under Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs).
Private enforcement companies, paid per fine, were responsible for issuing 14,633 of these penalties, leading to concerns over profit-driven enforcement.
Campaigners argue that PSPOs grant excessive and vague powers to councils, resulting in disproportionate penalties and inconsistent application across regions.
The UK government is reviewing enforcement practices, with proposals to ensure penalties are not used to generate revenue and are applied proportionately.