Everything you need to know about Birmingham's busking crackdowns – from affected streets and banned activities

The first proposed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has been designed to tackle noise associated with activities such as busking and street preaching.

It would do this by banning people from using amplification equipment, as well as musical instruments, in certain streets in the heart of the city.

The council also wants to introduce another separate PSPO in the city centre, with this one addressing illegal street trading, peddling, charity collectors and more.

The local authority, in a report being considered at a cabinet meeting next week, argued that such activities add to a general sense of “chaos, shabbiness and threat”.

With the two PSPOs possibly being given approval in a few days’ time, here’s a look at what exactly would be banned and which streets would be affected.

What activities would be banned?

Under one PSPO, a person would be prohibited from using amplification equipment, musical instruments or other items used as musical instruments within the relevant areas.

These activities include noise associated with busking, street entertaining, street preaching and public speaking affecting residents and businesses within the restricted area.

Meanwhile the other PSPO would prohibit street trading and obstruction of the public highway – that is, unless the relevant person has appropriate consent or lawful authority issued by the council.

The new restrictions would also mean that a person would be banned from distributing any materials, free literature or samples.

This applies whether it’s for their own commercial gain or for that of another person or organisation – unless they have the appropriate prior permission of the council.

“Registered charities, religious organisations and distributors of leaflets for political purposes are exempt from this prohibition unless they carry out these activities in a manner that obstructs or impedes the passage of any other person on the highway,” the PSPO document says.

It goes on to say that people would be prohibited “from soliciting for the completion of commercial or charity subscriptions without appropriate consent/licence […] issued by the council.”

Similarly, soliciting for cash or digital donation for commercial or charity gain would be banned – again, unless the person has the appropriate consent or licence.

People would also be banned from peddling goods or services within the restricted area.

Which streets are affected?

The PSPO designed to crackdown on ‘excessive noise levels’ from activities such as busking would cover New Street, Temple Street, Cannon Street, Needless Alley and part of Waterloo Street.

The council report said there had been an increasing number of complaints from residents and businesses about noise levels outside areas covered by two existing PSPOs, which are due to expire next month.

It acknowledged “existing enforcement arrangements” had failed to deal with the issue in those streets and that it received statements in support of declaring a “new, wider PSPO” from businesses.

Meanwhile the PSPO which would tackle illegal street trading and peddling would cover Victoria Square, New Street and parts of High Street, Temple Street and Edgbaston Street near the Bullring.

Why does the council want to introduce these PSPOs?

The council has said ‘excessive noise levels’ are impacting residents, landlords trying to let properties and businesses in the area.

A number of businesses have backed the PSPO plans and recently described how city centre busking was taking a toll on their workers and customers.

One employee at a shop even claimed “prolonged exposure” to noise from a busker had led to headaches and stress among staff.

“The door is closed due to the excess volume meaning the shop is incredibly hot,” they said. “Our mental health is suffering immensely due to the constant noise pollution.”

“We are not opposed to street entertainment,” another business wrote. “In fact, we believe that busking – when well-managed – can enhance a city’s cultural appeal and vibrancy.

“However, what is currently happening in Birmingham is not structured or regulated busking – it is, frankly, a free-for-all.”

A number of buskers have said compromises could be reached amid such concerns, with one suggesting that the council adopt a model similar to that of Busk in London with respect to basic licensing.

They said such a scheme would involve an audition process and agreement to a “reasonable yet clear” code of conduct.

“This approach allows the council to vet performers and encourage those who add genuine value to the city’s public spaces,” the busker added.

The other PSPO proposal comes amid concerns that visitors to the city centre are “frequently approached” by people either selling goods or services, handing out free literature or collecting in some way for charity or commercial reasons.

“This creates an environment of harassment and lack of control,” it said.

What happens next?

Both PSPO plans will be considered by cabinet members at the city council at a meeting next Tuesday, July 22.

It has been recommended that they approve the declaration of both orders and that officers should also explore the feasibility of a ‘consent/permitting scheme’ for city centre busking.