Homeless face fines for being poor, say lawyers

DONCASTER COUNCIL could come under a legal challenge over plans to extend restrictions cracking down on anti-social behaviour from rough sleepers and begging in the town centre, a campaign group has said.

Lawyers at human-rights group Liberty have objected to the extension of a public-space protection order in the area which they say “criminalises people for being poor”.

Some of the measures the council wants to extend are prohibiting loitering around bank machines, drinking alcohol in a public place, begging and taking drugs.

The campaign group said the proposed blanket ban on begging would “target vulnerable members of society with financial penalties they cannot afford”, which will result in them being “unreasonably criminalised” for nonpayment.

The group also noted the council could be liable to a legal challenge after Liberty represented a resident in Dorset in an appeal to the High Court against a similar order brought in by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

This action prompted council officials at Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole to recommend removing the conditions relating to begging and rough sleeping.

A Liberty spokesman said: “If you become homeless, your local council should be trying to offer support and help, not targeting you with fines you can’t possibly pay.”

Doncaster Council said it welcomed the submission and urged residents and businesses to respond to the consultation. Details of how you can access the survey and information about what the council is proposing can be found on the council website.