Following taking control of the council in May, and having listened to concerned residents, businesses and traders in our town centres, local Conservatives have taken through Cabinet a decision to consult on banning begging in our Town Centres.
We are seeking the views of residents on the proposed order and you can give your views here.
The consultation period runs from 5 July 2021 to 26 July 2021 and views given will help inform whether to finalise the order.
Cllr Clare Golby, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Communities, said:
“A Public Space Protection Order is a way to tackle concerns about begging in our town centres which have been brought to us. I'd like to be very clear, begging should not be confused with homelessness.
"Most, if not all of our street beggars are not homeless or have refused council and other help to get into a home, many times."
"The people who this PSPO is targeting are those who are taking considerable advantage of the good nature of the people of our borough for their own financial gain. We want to hear the views of our residents and businesses so that we can shape the order to better meet your requirements. Please take the time to help us with this matter and fill in the questionnaire using the link provided above.”
