“Fines for beggars.” This was the headline in a
Nottingham Post article as it reported on efforts to reduce the number of
people begging in the city. It’s certainly an emotive headline, and one that
has understandably stirred passions on social media. After-all what possible
good can come of fining somebody who has nothing? Surely this is a case of the
authorities kicking people while they’re down? As is so often the case, context
here is key. I’ve been asked over the last 24 hours whether I support the
fining of those people that beg. The straight forward answer to this straight
forward question is no. However, begging is not a straight forward issue, it is
complex. I have always stated that the response to those that beg needs to be
rooted in the best interests of that particular individual. Why are they
begging? What support are they entitled to? How can we help? Read more on the
Framework website.
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