Birmingham City Council considering ban on 'aggressive begging' in these areas
Begging could be banned in parts of Birmingham city centre as part of new proposals to curb anti-social behaviour. Birmingham City Council is considering implementing a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to outlaw 'intrusive' begging in high-footfall city locations.
PSPOs are put in place to deal with particular nuisances in a defined and designated public area. On October, 8 a report to the Cabinet Member for Social Justice recommended proposals to add 'aggressive begging' to the existing PSPO in the city centre, which also covers alcohol abuse, graffiti and large group gatherings causing 'nuisance or disorder'.
In the report, which can be read in full here, the council said it had received numerous complaints relating to 'aggressive begging' in the city, particularly around high-profile events like the Frankfurt Christmas Market. Under the proposals, which are due to go to public consultation, police would have the power to move street beggars on from certain areas of the city.
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A Public Space Protection Order is currently in place in the city centre to combat anti-social behaviour and includes a ban on threats or abuse and anti-social street drinking. The PSPO, introduced in 2022, is set to expire in January 2025 with 'intrusive begging' one of the new 'issues' that could be added to the order.
A new report to the Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities reads: "It is recognised that 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 of these people will be vulnerable and need assistance from various organisations to address physical or mental health conditions and access safe accommodation.
"Multiagency teams and charities can support these individuals and refer them to services to address these needs. In other instances, aggressive begging can be intimidating and frightening. This proposal would seek to prevent intrusive begging. 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 new PSPO is due to go to public consultation for six weeks before a decision is made with feedback and evidence being presented to the council at December 2024 or January 2025 Cabinet. A Birmingham City Council spokesperon: "“The council is seeking to renew an existing PSPO in respect of anti-social behaviour and considering new restrictions where anti-social behaviour is evident.
"This is being done specifically to improve safety of people in the city centre...To inform this consideration we would encourage all residents and community groups to make their voices heard once when the consultation is opened."