Beggars are to be told they face prosecution

A two-week initiative to tackle the problem in the city is to start on Monday.

Under the scheme beggars are to be asked why they are there, and be offered help to get off the streets, or face arrest.

It comes after a White Paper published by the Home Office last month proposed to outlaw begging, because there is "no need" for anyone to do it.

The city council's rough sleepers' unit is working with the "Gold Zone" police - responsible for making the city centre more welcoming - and other agencies under the initiative.

It is important we do this properly. There are many homeless people who have never begged and would never do so Councillor Flo Clucas

A poster and bus advertising campaign will back up the work.

Councillor Flo Clucas, executive member for community safety, said: "We know that begging causes serious problems for people who live, work and visit our city."

She said the scheme will operate on top of the day-to-day work that is carried out to tackle the problem.

"However, it is important that we do this properly," said Ms Clucas.

"There are many homeless people who have never begged and would never do so, and there are beggars who are not genuinely homeless but are determined to make their living from the streets."

She urged people not to give money to beggars and stressed those who are approached under the scheme will be offered help and access to support services.