Once again an item on the BBC Radio 4 programme 'Sunday' has pointed me in the direction of todays post. It seems that Westminster City Council are having another attempt at trying to implement former homelessness czar Louise Casey's answer to the problem of homelessness by criminalising it. The tory-run local authority is in the process of trying to enact byelaws that not only would make sleeping rough in an area around Westminster Cathedral illegal, but would also make it unlawful to supply food and drink to such people. A rather neat twist on the Elizabethan poor law treatment of the homeless in not just moving them over the town boundary, but also criminalising the people undertaking christian charity. It's not very 'Big Society' is it?
This is the sort of issue that really makes my blood boil, especially when you hear statements from council housing officers saying things like 'there is no need for anyone to sleep rough on the streets, there is plenty of provision.' From the comfort of that persons secure employment and housing position, what that person is really saying is that all these hundreds of homeless people really would prefer to sleep on a few cardboard boxes in doorways or under bridges. This is not just a disingenuous statement it is a downright lie as we all know the problem of homelessness is growing and there can sadly never be enough hostel or emergency accommodation for all those who need it. There will always be a need for some form of street provision of food and drink as part of outreach services and encouragement into shelter accommodation. What this is really about is shifting the problem somewhere else and attempting to drive it further underground and out of sight.
As all probation officers know full well, homelessness can happen to anyone who's circumstances suddenly change and it can be a frighteningly quick journey to the streets. So much more so in times of economic recession. If this new byelaw goes ahead it will trigger numerous similar applications for other parts of the capital and probably other British cities. Somewhat unusually this issue has wide political opposition with even the Daily Mail being critical. Lets hope we can sort this out soon and deal with this particular aspect of Miss Casey's legacy once and for all.
If your life problems result in you being homeless , why be homeless in the centre of the most expensive city in the UK?
ReplyDeleteI'll tell you why , it's about making a statement. " I have been unfairly treated , by you and all".
I have little sympathy for the homeless of central London. They often have political motives and are not even from London.
Talk to me about the homeless of slough , nuneaton , corby , nottingham ect. Non sexy cities. totally different kettle of fish.
As an ex army officer I often ask " ex army" homeless folk of their army number. Alot , and I mean alot have no idea. they would never forget such a thing.
First rule of where the liberal elite ( not you jim) go wrong
" what people say has happened is often not what has happened"
Jim,
ReplyDeleteHaving spent the last decade( 2010) working in C London as a PO I can attest to the fact that the blight of homelessness( especially in C london)was compounded by drug misuse, mental illness and poverty... which swelled Probation caseloads as often minor offences ( begging ) meant that Mag Cts looked to Probation to offer ' welfare type ' interventions.. their existed many splendid examples of voluntary outreach & Rough sleeper initiatives..the Consultation run by LBW has not even been published ..before clamour to introduce this byelaw is made.. with cuts to HB & moves to decant homeless out of borough already in motion..
To resort to criminalising many of those most vulnerable & those groups like Housing Justice( soup runs) speaks more of a Dickensian throwback.. ( where is the voice of LProbation in this?).. if efforts to seek social justice & compassion for those most affected by this disgraceful ban smacks of liberal elitism .. include me in!
Regards
Mike
London PC - I think the reality is that homeless people everywhere - New York, Rome or Delhi naturally gravitate towards big cities because that's where there is the greatest chance of getting services. I have no doubt that most of the homeless in London are not from that area. In essence I think that any society ought to be judged on how it treats its less fortunate as well as its rule breakers and that tradition is firmly rooted in a proud and long history of philanthropy.
ReplyDeleteAs always, thanks for reading and commenting.
Jim