The idea of fining those who already have so little, that they are forced to sleep out in the cold or ask for food and money is a cruel and heartless act. This is attacking vulnerable people and does not resolve the issues homeless people face.
Other campaigns have successfully stopped other councils from imposing similar fines. Nottingham has proposed £60-100 fines, but others are planning up to £1000. Councils use get-outs that they're "intentionally homeless" or "not vulnerable enough" to avoid helping these people. Most have one or more health conditions. We live in a rich western enlightened democracy apparently. Do you want this to happen in your name?
We've already had a response from Poole Council's Safer Communities Manager, Ian Cooke, who invites us all to go and have a chat with him: "if you are so concerned about the plight of the homeless and those begging on the streets of Poole you might like to come and discuss the issues with me". If you'd like to share you views with Mr Cooke please feel free to email him on:
[email protected]
This campaign is based on this information from Poole council's website, the order lasts for 3 years and was introduced in December 2014:
http://www.poole.gov.uk/newsroom/2014-news-archive/december-2014/borough-of-poole-obtains-public-spaces-protection-orders/
If you have anything that suggests that Poole Council are no longer able to fine people for begging then we'd love to hear more from you, drop us an email at
[email protected]
