Homeless fines are NOT the answer.
Fining people WON'T fix the Tyneside's homelessness problem, according a charity.
Brian Burrdige from North East Homelessness is concerned new rules could put people off helping those sleeping rough this winter.
Under Public Spaces Protection Orders by South Tyneside Council - those deemed to be begging could be handed a £100 fine - even for accepting food.
South Tyneside Council say they haven't issued any fixed penalty notices since the orders came in six months ago.
Homelessness has increased markedly in recent years, with rough sleeping more than doubling since 2010, rising by 30% in the last year alone.
Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, said: “Christmas can be an extremely isolating time for those without a home to call their own. Many of us can take for granted the companionship and shelter we enjoy at Christmas, yet one in four homeless people spends the festive period alone. This year, the number of rough sleepers in England has continued to rise at an alarming rate, and across the UK tens of thousands of people do not have a proper place to call home. Unfortunately, Crisis at Christmas is as important as ever this year. “It is only through the generosity of thousands of volunteers that help make Crisis at Christmas happen for homeless people. Volunteers can not only bring some much-needed cheer to our guests but also encourage them to take up the life-changing opportunities on offer all year round at our centres across the country.”
Councillor Allan West, Lead Member for Housing and Transport said:
"Public Spaces Protection Orders were introduced to protect the public. The orders can only be introduced where there is evidence of street drinking and professional beggars targeting specific areas. We have a reputation for being a family-friendly Borough and this type of behaviour - although minimal - was something we felt we needed to address. These orders are in no way aimed at people in genuine hardship. However, we understand that the posters may have been open to misinterpretation. We have taken on board people's concerns and these posters are no longer in circulation. As always, we have to balance protecting our residents and visitors to the Borough with providing help and support for those in genuine need.
We have not issued any fixed penalty notices for begging since the Orders were introduced six months ago although we have spoken to individuals and written to them where a home address is known.
"Tackling homelessness is a core priority for the Council. The consequences of becoming homeless can lead to a raft of other social problems so we do all we can to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place. By working with our partners, we carry out prevention and intervention work to help households in difficulty before they reach crisis point.
South Tyneside has, on average, fewer than 10 rough sleepers per year. This figure has decreased year-on year over the last three years. Government statistics show that South Tyneside has one of the lowest rates of rough sleeping (0-0.05 per 1000 households) in the country.
Where someone is in crisis we have a range of services which help individuals to find the support and housing they need.
He added:
"Our staff who come across homeless people will always refer them to the Homefinder service where they receive appropriate advice and support.
“Homelessness is an issue which should concern us all. We are always keen to hear from members of the public interested in helping us tackle this issue."