Begging ban proposals shelved in Durham
An order to clamp down on ‘aggressive begging’ will not be enforced after a mixed response from residents.
Durham County Council considered imposing a public space protection order (PSPO) to curb people begging in a threatening or intimidating way in Durham city centre but has now rowed back on the plans.
A public consultation on the practice, which includes following people or begging near a cash machine or bus stop, found there is a split of opinion as to whether it is needed.
PSPO’s may be imposed when aggressive begging is persistent and has a detrimental effect on the residents and visitors to the City, the council said, but respondents to the survey questioned the effectiveness of the order.
Nearly 60 per cent of respondents ‘agreed’ or’ strongly agreed’ that a PSPO would be an effective way to control aggressive begging in the city, though many felt that more support should be given to prevent homelessness and dependencies.
“There are concerns highlighted that it would make little difference or whether one should be introduced at all given that it may lead to punishing some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” a council report stated.
It added that a PSPO could also be seen as a negative scheme as it imposes a financial punishment on the most vulnerable in the community.
Cllr John Shuttleworth said: “The outcome is that we are not in a position to take this order forward at this time. However, that does not mean that we leave the issue unaddressed.
“The report refers to the positive work that our enforcement team is doing in the city in support of residents already. This will not diminish and as a result of this decision, we will continue to use the existing powers wherever necessary.
“There are strong views on both sides of the issue, as we’ve seen through the consultation, but it’s our role to make the right decision based on the evidence available. And that’s exactly what we’re doing.”