No excuses!

[plugsandsparks]

Have no problem it being a crime, it should be, for all concerned. When I see beggars, I just see organised crime, cannot help it and have no sympathy. I have however, discussed homelessness with a number of Big Issue sellers at Kings Cross, when I used to commute to the City, and I do support their efforts, and have done several times. The number of homeless is not so massive that we cannot easily both afford it and use existing infrastructure / organisations to eradicate it. The money is also miniscule when compared to our budgets for health, education, welfare and defence, not to mention transport... I really don't think any government has really dealt with this properly, but making it a crime, I believe, will help push it on to the next stage... I hope !

 

[trev]

So giving people who have nothing a criminal record, thus making it even harder for them to get out of a desperate situation is completely acceptable?

 

[plugsandsparks]

Yep, that is the consequence. Think of it as extreme littering.

 

[trev]

Sorry but I find that breath taking.

 

[plugsandsparks]

I don't get emotional about this stuff, its pretty fixable, but there appears to be no will (or votes) to eradicate it. TBH Trev it was a ping pong to your "criminal record" stance, therefore it cannot be right....... just saying it can be right and should be......

 

[trev]

If there are crimes being committed then the legal system does need to take action. Criminalising someone for being destitute is not the right way forward imo.

 

[Guest77]

Sorry but I find that breath taking.

I find it quite sick and disgraceful, why not just set fire to innocent people who have no money and be done with it.

 

[plugsandsparks]

Since you are primed up, then, probably a good idea to look at what is available for homeless folk. You may be surprised, no need to set fire just yet...

 

[rapparee]

Homelessness and beggars are two different topics really. There is a gang of romanian women operating in my area who sit under post boxes and pester people outside shops, all this is done under the watchful eye of their boss who collects the money at regular intervals, this is organised crime and deserves to be dealt with (They are not homeless and are actually bussed in to prime locations). The down and out loner who has problems with drink/drugs who is actually homeless deserves compassion and support to get back on track if he is willing to accept help.

 

[micknew]

Homelessness and beggars are two different topics really. There is a gang of romanian women operating in my area who sit under post boxes and pester people outside shops, all this is done under the watchful eye of their boss who collects the money at regular intervals, this is organised crime and deserves to be dealt with (They are not homeless and are actually bussed in to prime locations). The down and out loner who has problems with drink/drugs who is actually homeless deserves compassion and support to get back on track if he is willing to accept help.

Its getting worse. must get out of the EU before the dregs of Europe make us a third world country like the ones they're fleeing from .