Mark Whitehead 08 June 2015

Hackney confirms it will not be fining homeless people

References to ‘rough sleepers’ are being removed from Hackney's Public Space Protection Order following protests that it would 'criminalise homelessness'.

The London council said the move 'more clearly reflects the anti-social behaviour the order is targeting and the course of action that could be taken.'

It said it would continue to tackle anti-social behaviour in the area through a combination of support and enforcement, and work with the homeless charity Thames Reach to try to help vulnerable people off the street.

More than 65,000 people signed a petition against the new order which they said would have enabled police and council officers to order people to stop activities including begging or sleeping rough.

They claimed those who breached the order could have been handed a fixed penalty notice of £100 or landed with a £1,000 fine in court.

Cllr Sophie Linden, Hackney Council's deputy mayor, said: 'People were understandably concerned by inaccurate headlines, despite the council making it clear that this order was not about targeting homeless people.

'Nor was it the council's response to homelessness. Anyone sleeping rough in Hackney is always offered a bed and the support and help they need.

'The order was never intended to punish people who have fallen on hard times, been evicted and found themselves without a roof over their heads.'

She added: 'We will continue to tackle anti-social behaviour, through a combination of support and enforcement, on behalf of our residents who deserve to be able to use our streets and parks without fear of anti-social behaviour or abuse and we will continue to work with Thames Reach to support vulnerable people.'

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Residential Worker

Essex County Council
£27935.00 - £35344.00 per annum + includes allowance
Residential WorkerPermanent, Full Time£27,935 - £35,344 per annum (including allowance)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Team Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 £51,928 - £56,293
Do you want to lead a passionate team dedicated to supporting parents to achieve meaningful and sustainable change and help more children to remain sa Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £26,016 - £26,847
We are looking to appoint a full time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective and efficient recept Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Early Years Children in Care Caseworker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £36,581 - £40,444
Are you passionate about improving outcomes for young children and ensuring every child has the best start in life? We are seeking an experienced and Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Family Group Conference Lifelong Links Co-ordinator

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £36,581 - £40,444
Are you passionate about empowering families, strengthening relationships, and helping children and young people build lifelong support networks? We Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner