Call for rethink on begging clampdown over fears it will 'punish' homeless people in South Tyneside

Town hall chiefs have been urged to rethink a planned clampdown on begging, street drinking and late night fishing, with fears it could ‘punish’ homeless people.
Concerns have been raised over how measures to clampdown on begging could result in 'punishing' vulnerable peopleConcerns have been raised over how measures to clampdown on begging could result in 'punishing' vulnerable people
Concerns have been raised over how measures to clampdown on begging could result in 'punishing' vulnerable people

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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“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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According 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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“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.”

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