This Monday Rishi Sunak announced his plans to crack down on anti-social behaviour and tackle ‘nuisance begging.’
The propositions would see police and local authorities having further powers to confront people who are causing a ‘nuisance on the street’ which includes homeless people blocking shop doorways and begging near cashpoints.
Sunak said that this behaviour ‘undermines the basic right of people to feel safe in a place they call home.’
Further detail on how much it will cost is expected to be set out in the coming days.
How will they effect people in Sheffield?
The government propositions are set to come into place in England and Wales in 2024.
The propositions will give social workers and council authorities the ‘tools’ to direct people causing public distress to health and social services to recieve support.
The plans will also see police and crime commissioners (PCCs) given funding to ensure people responsible for offences such as graffiti and vandalism start repair work as soon as possible.
Is homelessness an increasing issue in the city?
During the cost of living crisis and post pandemic, charities are under increasing demand in Sheffield city centre and looking for volunteers to help support the most vulnerable.
Denise Lawrenson, an events fundraiser for Sheffield based youth homelessness charity Roundabout said:
‘Youth homelessness in Sheffield is definitely becoming more of an issue. We support 350 young people every single day. Last year it was something like 270, it is literally in the past three four years it has more than doubled which is really shocking.’
The charities wrap around scheme supports homeless 16-25 year olds in the city, many of which have ended up on the streets due to family breakdown.
Ms Lawrenson said : ‘There can be misconceptions around, how young people end up on the streets. Sixteen- and eighteen-year-olds are just so young to be left on their own, my son is just 16 and I see kids his age.’
Roundabout are looking for volunteers to bucket collect at their next fundraising event at the Crucible Theatre, ‘A Night at the Musical’, which aims to raise £10,000 for the charity.
