Jenrick: Homelessness ‘More Of A Crisis Of Addiction And Mental Health’ Than Housing

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has been giving his views on tackling rough sleeping and homelessness in the country post-pandemic. Speaking at a Centre for Social Justice event, he said: “There is a lot to do and I need to get my other cabinet colleagues to support me as I don’t think this is just a housing crisis, this is also a crisis of mental health and addiction and there are also law enforcement issues. As well as trying to support people, we’ve got to take action against aggressive begging, gangs on the streets, individuals coming to this country to beg.” Read more on the HQN website.

https://hqnetwork.co.uk/news/jenrick-homelessness-more-of-a-crisis-of-addiction-and-mental-health-than-housing-4039 

High Court To Hear Crowdfunded Challenge To 'Begging Fines'

A landmark high court case will determine whether fines for begging, loitering and leaving bedding in doorways unfairly targets homeless people, after a fundraising campaign for legal costs reached its target. Lawyers for Sarah Ward, who lives in Poole, will outline their challenge on Monday to a public space protection order (PSPO) in the town centre which prohibits obstructing doorways, sitting with a receptacle “for the purpose of begging” and other behaviour associated with homelessness. People found to have violated the order are liable to a £100 spot fine, which can rise to £1,000 if left unpaid, and receive a summary conviction. Read more on the Guardian website.

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/nov/04/high-court-to-hear-crowdfunded-challenge-to-begging-fines

New Scheme to Help Rough Sleepers

A scheme which aims to avoid putting homeless people in custody has been launched in Birmingham. A plain clothes police officer and two outreach workers respond to reports of homelessness, begging and anti-social drinking in the city centre. The team, including a substance abuse specialist, operates between 09:00 BST and 21:00 from Monday to Friday. The service was launched by West Midlands Police, Birmingham City Council and homeless support agencies. West Midlands Police said the scheme might be rolled out to other cities and towns in the force's area. Read more on the BBC website.

Begging and Rough Sleeping Are Not the Same Thing

“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.

Most Claiming To Be Homeless in Nottingham Have Own Property or Live With Family and Friends

A survey of beggars in one city has found that just one in ten of those seeking money from the public were actually homeless. Of 52 people asking for cash in Nottingham, only five were sleeping rough. The majority of the rest either had their own home or were living with friends or relatives. The survey by homeless charity Framework comes two years after police found that 65 per cent of people arrested in Birmingham for begging had a roof over their heads. Those who are caught persistently begging are set to be fined up to £200 in a crackdown by the authorities, while anti-social behaviour orders are being used to ban beggars from certain parts of the city. Read more on the Daily Mail website.