A busker has warned Birmingham risks becoming the country’s “least friendly city” for street performance if divisive PSPO plans go ahead without a compromise.
The city council said earlier this year it was considering the introduction of a Public Space Protection Order in a bid to tackle ‘excessive noise levels’ in a number of city centre streets.
In particular, it wanted to crack down on noise associated with busking, street entertaining, street preaching and public speaking affecting people living in the area and businesses.
The proposals came amid concerns that noise levels were impacting businesses; residents trying to relax at home and landlords attempting to let properties.
But they have proved controversial, with Stephen Brown, the Musicians’ Union Midlands regional organiser, previously claiming that the council was “using a sledgehammer to crack a nut”.
“Rather than deal with anyone causing a statutory nuisance in a reasonable way, they have chosen a more draconian way to address the issue – by proposing a blanket ban affecting all buskers,” he argued.
He said a more “nuanced approach” was the answer, by permitting daytime busking in the city centre through a “better management scheme of noise control and agreed pitches”.
Such sentiments were echoed by an unnamed busker during the council’s consultation process, who suggested that a number of “significant compromises” could be reached. These included busking being allowed where the specific busker is not causing any nuisance and a restriction of amplification.
“Without some sort of compromise with the busking community, Birmingham will become the least friendly city in the country (and arguably in Europe) for street performance,” the busker continued.
“The council simply cannot consider introducing the proposals in their current form.”
Another busker argued: “Rather than restricting all performers—many of whom are professional and committed to enhancing the city’s street culture—I propose that Birmingham Council consider adopting a model similar to that of Busk in London with respect to basic licensing.
“Their system has proven effective in raising the standard of street entertainment while addressing the concerns of local authorities and businesses.”
They went on to say that 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—musicians and artists who are proficient, courteous, and community-minded,” the busker said.
“A licensing model not only empowers the council to regulate busking more effectively but also preserves and celebrates the rich street culture that makes Birmingham city vibrant and welcoming.”
Within the areas covered by the PSPO, people would be banned from using amplification equipment, musical instruments or other items used as instruments.
“In August 2022, the city council introduced two PSPOs aimed at controlling excessive noise levels from street-based activities affecting residential properties in the city centre,” a new council report said.
“These PSPOs are due to expire on August 14, 2025.
“Since the introduction of the PSPOs, there has been an increasing number of complaints from residents and businesses outside of the areas of the existing PSPOs about noise levels on the street.”
However, the report stated that attempts to resolve these issues informally have often been “unsuccessful or short-lived”. It continued that “existing enforcement arrangements” have been found to be ineffective in dealing with the noise levels on the street outside of the PSPO area.
“As such it is necessary for the council to consider formal action to resolve the problem,” it said.
The report added that statements in support of declaring a new, wider PSPO have been received from businesses and city centre officers.
With this in mind, it’s been recommended that cabinet members at the council approve the declaration of the PSPO and that officers should also explore the feasibility of a ‘consent/permitting scheme’ for city centre busking.
Responding to concerns raised by unions earlier this year, a council spokesperson said: “Birmingham is a bustling, cosmopolitan city centre, and we want everyone who lives, works and visits it to be able to enjoy what it has to offer.
“The council is not considering introducing this PSPO without reason.
“We have received a significant and consistent number of complaints from both residents and businesses that there are too many people causing noise in the street and, despite being asked to moderate their noise levels, there has been no respite for the affected people.”
Areas covered by the proposed PSPO would include Victoria Square, New Street, Temple Street, Cannon Street, Needless Alley and part of Waterloo Street.
The plans will be considered at the council’s cabinet meeting on Tuesday, July 22.
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