Call for rethink on begging clampdown over fears it will 'punish' homeless people in South Tyneside
But the scheme has prompted opposition from South Shields MP Emma Lewell-Buck over fears for the impact it will have on homeless people in the town.
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Hide Ad“Surely a vulnerable person is still vulnerable, wherever they are from?” she has asked in a formal response to the council’s consultation on the draft policy.
“I do sincerely hope that the council reconsiders its plans to create a PSPO for those who make verbal, non-verbal or written requests, including the placing of hats or containers for money, donations or goods.
“I believe it is not a good image for the borough and we should be looking at ways to support vulnerable people and not targeting them.”
In a post on Twitter, the MP said “no one should ever be fined for accepting the kindness of my constituents,” adding “PSPOs should not be used to punish homeless people”.
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Hide AdAccording to a report for councillors, a range of issues ‘continue to cause problems for residents’ and it is hoped the powers included in the PSPOs, such as £100 fines, could help combat these.
Brains behind the policy have insisted it is ‘not intended to hit homeless people with a big stick’.
But the wording of some provisions have prompted concerns among some in the town hall about how the rules could be interpreted.
Speaking at a meeting of the council’s Riverside Community Area Forum, Cllr Angela Hamilton said: “If someone is sitting in the street and I go along and give them a sandwich or cup of coffee, even if they don’t ask for it, that is classed as a form of non-verbal begging.
“They could then be subject to a fine – that is ridiculous.
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Hide Ad“We need to be careful, I don’t want homeless people penalised because someone has kindly given them something to eat.”
A public consultation on the PSPOs, which were previously introduced across the borough in 2016, concluded on January 31.
Ms Lewell-Buck added: “The last time these were introduced, a local campaign forced the council to get rid of them.
“We shouldn’t be exploring this again, especially in a pandemic.”