Plans to tackle ‘aggressive begging’ in Birmingham considered despite fears for vulnerable people

The city council proposed aggressive/intrusive begging be added to a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) amid calls for change from local businesses.

The PSPO, set to be renewed this month, currently deals with groups/gangs, alcohol/substance misuse and graffiti.

But the Labour-run council has said new anti-social issues that fell outside the scope of the order – including aggressive begging – had become more prevalent.

It also wants to address urination and defecation in public places as well as the improper disposal of drug paraphernalia.

Breaching a PSPO is a criminal offence and can be punished with fines and potentially prosecution. Cabinet member Nicky Brennan told a council meeting today, January 21, that 85 per cent of respondents to a public consultation agreed with the PSPO in relation to loitering or begging.

“In the city centre, the PSPO can provide a means to ensuring a safe and pleasant retail area for businesses, residents and visitors without fears of heightened anti-social behaviour,” she said.

Cllr Ewan Mackey (Conservative, Sutton Roughley) supported the plans, saying: “We want people to be able to come into the city centre and feel comfortable at all times.”

Roger Harmer, leader of the Liberal Democrats at the council, also said he supported the renewal of the PSPO but added he was concerned “not enough is going to be done to support the provision to those vulnerable homeless people who need it”.

“We need a more balanced approach to tackle this very concerning problem,” he said.

In response, Coun Brennan pointed to a council report published ahead of the meeting which read: “It is recognised the causes of begging can be complicated and visitors are likely to encounter people who ask for money via begging in places with high footfall.

“Some will be vulnerable and need assistance from various organisations to address physical or mental health conditions and access safe accommodation.

“Multi-agency teams and charities can support these individuals and refer them to services to address these needs.”

The meeting heard the council “absolutely understand the vulnerabilities within the street community” and intervention officers were operating within the city centre.

‘Inundated with beggars’

According to the report, a Birmingham business said in its statement that it received negative feedback because its guests complained “they are begged to when they get off the train or walk up to the hotel when they first arrive in the morning”.

“All these issues are on our doorstep and what guests see when they arrive in Birmingham, all of which have a negative effect on the city and our business,” they said.

Another business complained it was ‘inundated with beggars and thieves’.

The Central Business Improvement District (BID) wrote: “Many individuals will sit outside businesses and beg, smoke drugs and drink alcohol openly within a PSPO area which forbids such actions.

“This will often end in the person collapsing on the floor through drink or drugs and ambulance and police having to be called to attend.

“This is very upsetting for the businesses and the staff and has a negative effect on the area and the visitors, making it a very unpleasant place to work and visit”.

The report added: “This proposal would seek to prevent intrusive begging e.g. those who mingle in crowds, invade personal space, and ask for money.

“In particular, the PSPO could be used to restrict occasions or areas where any form of begging would not be allowed, such as high-profile events.

“Complaints have been received about intrusive or aggressive begging at places such as the Frankfurt Christmas Market and the manner in which the begging is performed causes alarm or distress.”

The report added there were limited enforcement powers available and the introduction of new PSPOs provided the opportunity and flexibility to combat antisocial behaviour issues in an “effective and targeted way”.

“No other options offer the same level of beneficial outcomes,” it said.

Cabinet members agreed to note the outcome of the public consultation with a view to introduce the renewal of the PSPO.