Homeless charity brands plan to fine ‘cruel’ beggars

Homeless charity activists have attacked a government proposal to extend fines to beggars in a planned reform of 200-year-old stray laws.

Earlier this year, the government promised to repeal the Tramp Act — in place since 1824 — which includes a fine of up to 1 million people and a criminal record for sleeping or begging. The Department of Housing and Communities began consultations this week to amend a law that former Secretary of State Robert Jenrick called “old fashioned.”

But Matt Downie, chief executive of the Homeless Crisis charity, said the government’s plans “are not going to keep us going”. The proposals include potential fines of $200 to 200 beggars.

Mr. Downey said: “In our experience, finesing beggars is completely counterproductive, and is often harsh. And how should they raise the money to pay these fines? It’s always so funny.

“We don’t really think that people should be criminalized just for poverty and beggary – and for us the only case where that is appropriate is additional harassment or anti-social behavior – in this case the current legislation covers that completely. And it is necessary. So I think the government’s idea of Continuing to fine people doesn’t really take us away from the misguided act they decided to rescind.

Mr Downey also said “we cannot replace one penal code with another” and expressed concern that the proposals were too broad and could result in punishing people rather than helping them. “Instead of focusing on measures that can further punish people on the streets, the government should look at how it encourages a multi-agency approach,” he said.

The government advisory document highlights two cases where fines have been described as “ineffective restrictions” and could be “counterproductive”, but still offer 200 yen less in fines. He said the fine could be kept in the new legislation as the maximum penalty for “petty crimes of beggary,” while more serious crimes, including exploitation, may require tougher penalties.

The types of malicious beggary included in the counseling include persistent beggary or beggary at places such as road intersections, business entrances, and bins or parked vehicles in traffic. It also includes fraudulent or organized beggary for more than one person or beggary that involves exploitation and coercion.

Sleep and Housing Secretary Eddie Hughes said, “No one should be punished for criminalization simply because they have nowhere to live and it is right that we repeal the Homeless Agents Act.” We need to balance our role in providing significant support to vulnerable people so that the ability of police to protect communities is not weakened.”