A campaign group has voiced fresh concerns over Southend Council’s plan to introduce an order to ban begging, after national figures showed a massive increase in fines issued by local authorities.
The Manifesto Club slammed the council for “heartless penalisation” after reviewing a draft Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which could see beggars hit with fines of up to £1,000.Hurrah! Long overdue.
But who on earth could argue against this, and why?
The Manifesto Club says that a review of the PSPOs that had been introduced show that councils are failing to abide by statutory guidance, which says the orders should not be used to target rough sleeping or restrict the use of public spaces.Guidance is just that. You don't have to take it.
Josie Appleton, director of Manifesto Club said the order is "firmly targeted at the homeless community", adding: “They would be unable to ask the public for money, which is in many cases the only way they can eat and survive. They cannot put up tents overnight in order to protect themselves from winter cold, nor can they enjoy a quiet drink on a bench.
“They are not allowed to sleep in a public place if others believe that this has a ‘detrimental impact’ on the quality of life of others. The truth is that the real ‘detrimental effect’ will be on the quality of life of homeless people – a community which, more than others, requires our help, rather than such heartless penalisation.”All Josie cares about is 'the rights' of homeless people - ordinary taxpayers can just pay through the nose for services these parasites mostly scorn.
Well, we've had enough. And we've made it clear to the council.
A council spokesperson said: “The reasons why a PSPO is needed as an additional tool to tackle persistent and unreasonable anti-social behaviour, was outlined when we launched the PSPO consultation in January.
“The consultation ended in March and we are still collating the results, before drafting a report to be compiled and presented to cabinet.”
Southend Council leader John Lamb has also defended the PSPO proposal, stating in a cabinet meeting at the end of last year that it would not curb people’s liberties but ensure they “act in a way where they respect other people’s liberties”.Your pets aren't welcome on the streets any more, Josie. You want them? House a few yourself.
It's always a 'Josie' coming out with this garbage.
ReplyDeleteThis may well be overdue, but isn't imposing any fine, let alone one of £1,000.00, on a homeless beggar a pointless exercise?
ReplyDelete"enjoy a quiet drink on a bench."
ReplyDeleteShe's got to be kidding! That one line calls bullshit on everything these people ever say
So tell me, where do the council send the fines to? Unless the rough sleepers have a P.O.(cardboard) box number, I would think it's pretty pointless.
ReplyDeleteAs a former worker in a wet house hostel now closed the overriding reason a person is begging is to feed a habit .The main reason they are evicted from various housing projects is not behaviour its NON PAYMENT OF RENT no matter how small twenty two quid full board three meals no bills twenty four hour support tax payers bill two hundred and twenty five pounds . I left as I saw new management stop evictions for violence against staff by residents or clients or is it service users I do not bother to keep up anymore.Yes various people are doing sterling work BUT mostly provide the means as in food clothing such like for the user to beg for more of his or her addiction.The familys of the clients were always very supportive providing all that is needed to help BUT as always they reverted to the addictions .Well its easier innit
ReplyDeleteFining people with no money. A sure fire winner and typical of a governmental mindset.
ReplyDeleteWhat they should do it set up a deal with the owner of an island in the Orkneys and fund some housing there. Take any beggars, homeless or charity based, and drop them off on the island. Have a meals on wheels type service feeding them three times a day and that would solve the problem.
Apropo Lord T's suggestion:
ReplyDeleteDoesn't have to be the Orkneys - don't we still have unused military camps in the UK with empty accommodation blocks?
Set up a simple canteen with healthy unsophisticated food;
War on want can provide clothing and books;
A local GP and pharmacy can provide whatever pharmaceuticals (and clean needles) are needed;
If the "clients" have food and prescriptions "on site" what more do they need?
"It's always a 'Josie' coming out with this garbage."
ReplyDeleteThey stamp them out like a cookie-cutter factory, straight into the fakecharity business.
"...but isn't imposing any fine, let alone one of £1,000.00, on a homeless beggar a pointless exercise?"
They probably make that in donations from idiots on the street!
"She's got to be kidding! That one line calls bullshit on everything these people ever say"
Yup. But then, I guess she's never around when 'Mad Dog' is guzzling his eighteenth can of Special Brew.
"So tell me, where do the council send the fines to?"
That's a good point! I've no idea. Probably the hostel.
"I left as I saw new management stop evictions for violence against staff by residents or clients or is it service users I do not bother to keep up anymore."
So much for H&S at work... :<
"Fining people with no money. A sure fire winner and typical of a governmental mindset."
ReplyDeleteThe organised beggars make money quite easily, though. I've seen it!
"Doesn't have to be the Orkneys - don't we still have unused military camps in the UK with empty accommodation blocks?"
Aren't they earmarked for 'refugees'...?
I don't believe there's any need for anyone in this country to be homeless.
ReplyDeleteI say again THEY ARE HOMELESS BY CHOICE please keep up
ReplyDeleteFFS take a homeless person into your house for a short time THEN we can sit down and talk mental health addictions you choose Pick one
ReplyDelete