Ellie Ames 06 November 2023

Braverman wants to restrict homeless people’s use of tents

Braverman wants to restrict homeless people’s use of tents image
Image: Leonid Lev / Shutterstock.com

Home secretary Suella Braverman has said she wants to stop homeless people ‘causing noise and distress’ by pitching tents in public places.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Suella Braverman said: ‘We will always support those who are genuinely homeless.

‘But we cannot allow our streets to be taken over by rows of tents occupied by people, many of them from abroad, living on the streets as a lifestyle choice.’

She added: ‘What I want to stop, and what the law abiding majority wants us to stop, is those who cause nuisance and distress to other people by pitching tents in public spaces, aggressively begging, stealing, taking drugs, littering, and blighting our communities.’

Labour’s shadow levelling up, housing and communities secretary, Angela Rayner, said: ‘Rough sleeping is not a “lifestyle choice”.

‘A toxic mix of rising rents and failure to end no-fault evictions is hitting vulnerable people.

‘After years of delay the Tories are failing on their promises. Now after 13 years, they’re blaming homeless people rather than themselves.’

The chief executive of homelessness charity Shelter, Polly Neate, said: ‘Nobody should be punished for being homeless.

‘Homelessness happens when housing policy fails and boils down to people not being able to afford to live anywhere.

Ms Neate added: ‘Not only should everyone facing the streets be given somewhere safe to stay without question, but the Government must also end the cruel freeze on housing benefit and deliver a new generation of affordable social homes.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner