Latest news with #VagrancyAct
BBC News
21-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Law change alone not enough to help homeless, say Yorkshire charities
The government has decided to decriminalise homelessness in England and Wales - but charity bosses say the move will do little to give dignity to rough week ministers announced plans to scrap the Vagrancy Act - first introduced in 1824 - with Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner labelling it "cruel and outdated".Representatives from homelessness charities in Bradford and Sheffield said they were unaware of the legislation still being used to prosecute people, with a government spokesperson admitting use of the act had "significantly declined over the years".Tim Renshaw, chief executive of the Sheffield-based Cathedral Archer Project, said: "I think it will bypass most people that they could have been arrested purely for being vagrant." Mr Renshaw, whose organisation helps people off the streets, said the law change was "probably going to be trumped up as something it probably isn't"."Nobody is seeing people who don't have homes as criminals by default," he said."They are seeing the behaviour of some of those people who don't have homes as anti-social and are therefore looking for enforcement against that."According to Mr Renshaw, the announcement "lacks the other element of how do we give dignity, if we are not going to say that people are criminals? How do we include them in society?". The Labour government said it planned to replace the Vagrancy Act with "targeted measures" that would "ensure police have the powers they need to keep communities safe".They would include new offences of facilitating begging for gain and trespassing with the intention of committing a Renshaw said any enforcement measures should be accompanied by support for homeless people."If we say: 'You can't do that activity in that place', at the same time we need to be saying: 'How do we support you not to do that activity in this place?'."It's not that enforcement doesn't have a place, it's just that by itself it will only ever displace [from one area to another]."In Sheffield, the Cathedral Archer Project is working on what Mr Renshaw calls a "support model", backed by authorities including the police and city has become more visible in the city centre in recent years, with an outreach charity counting 71 people sleeping rough in and around central Sheffield in August last year. 'Homeless have complex needs' Steve Richardson, a trustee of Bradford charity Homeless Not Hopeless, welcomed the law change as a "great step forward", but said it "should just be the first step"."People can at least live their lives without automatically being criminalised," he said."Let's start putting in place the mechanisms to actually help and support them."Mr Richardson described the Vagrancy Act as "a convenient rule if somebody needed to be moved on as a threat".However, in his view, "just giving people a flat isn't the answer"."These people, after years of sleeping rough, have complex needs," he added."They need some support to address them." Homeless Not Hopeless supports between 100 and 150 people in Bradford every week, a "significant proportion" of whom are homeless, said Mr is based next to railway arches at Forster Square Station, a location where some of the city's homeless would sleep until they were moved on by Bradford Council last year to provide space for art installations as part of City of Culture Richardson said he was "absolutely confident" people on the streets would "pay back every penny of investment to get them back on their feet"."They want jobs, they want to work, to pay tax. Many, many many of them also try to give something back."We have several people we have supported over the years who have come back and volunteered."The government said it had boosted funding for homelessness services by an extra £233m this financial year, bringing total investment for 2025-26 to nearly £1bn.A spokesperson said the deputy prime minister was also developing a new homelessness strategy with other government departments, as well as mayors and councils, to be published later this year. Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Scoop
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Repeal Of UK Vagrancy Act Marks Major Step Toward Ending Criminalisation Of Homelessness And Poverty: UN Experts
GENEVA (17 June 2025) – UN experts* today welcomed a decision by the United Kingdom to repeal the Vagrancy Act, a law that has long criminalised homelessness and rough sleeping in England and Wales, by Spring 2026. 'This is a long overdue, highly commendable step,' the experts said. 'The decision to repeal the Vagrancy Act signals a shift away from criminalisation and towards a rights-based approach to homelessness and extreme poverty.' 'Nobody should be penalised for not having access to a home. Punishing a person for having no home or shelter is also cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, prohibited under Article 7 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,' the experts said. First introduced in 1824, the Vagrancy Act permitted police to arrest individuals for sleeping rough or begging in public spaces. It has been a blueprint for similar legislation in other countries, and a tool of colonial rule and oppression. To this day, many of these laws remain in force. 'Homelessness is not a crime, but a failure of States to guarantee the right to adequate housing. The police should fight crime and assist persons in distress, not penalise people living in the street due to circumstances beyond their control,' the experts said. 'The United Kingdom's action sets an important precedent. Other States, especially those former British colonies which still have a version of this law on the books, should follow suit and dismantle these outdated systems that punish the most vulnerable for conditions the State has failed to address,' they said. The experts called on States to invest in long-term solutions, that ensure access to affordable housing, security of tenure, decent employment, urgent and adequate healthcare, education, and social protection, rather than treating homelessness as a criminal matter. In a recent landmark study, the experts called on States to review laws and policies that penalise people for living in poverty or homelessness. They remain ready to assist States in implementing rights-based strategies that ensure the right to adequate housing for all.
Scottish Sun
15-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Tragic homeless crisis gripping UK city as hard-up rough sleepers fend off Spice addicts & fake beggars in £120 trainers
Local women claim they no longer feel safe on the streets due to the violence Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HUDDLED outside a luxury department store, a homeless man puffs on a suspicious-looking cigarette while young families hurry past. It's an increasingly common sight on the streets of the northern city - the epicentre of a 53 per cent rise in homelessness in the North East over the past year. 15 Shoppers in Newcastle city centre have been struck by a rise in the number of homeless people on the streets Credit: NNP 15 Locals say antisocial behaviour in their beloved city has become out of control Credit: NNP 15 Drug users leave spice and needles strewn on the floor outside upmarket shops Credit: NNP 15 A discarded spoon of cooked-up heroin in an underground car park in the city centre Credit: NNP Concerned locals claim the heart of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, once a bustling shopping hotspot, has been 'taken over' by beggars high on Spice. Rough sleepers now camp outside department store Fenwick, famed for its luxurious designer brands, while vagrants on pavements sell friendship bracelets or sit before signs, one of which reads: "I am very hungry. God bless you." While many homeless people have fallen on genuine hard times, locals claim a growing number are fraudsters, or so-called 'professional beggars', who have homes to go to at the end of the day. Others are said to be more aggressive, attacking members of the public while high on drugs. This week the Government announced it is scrapping the 200-year-old Vagrancy Act by spring next year, meaning rough sleeping will no longer be a crime - a decision welcomed by homeless charities across the UK. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner called the act "cruel and outdated" and insisted Labour will instead target organised begging by gangs. On a busy midweek morning, among shoppers and workers grabbing a coffee, we count up to 10 homeless people on the main high street in Newcastle, a stretch less than a quarter of a mile. In an underground car park right in the city centre, a stone's throw from Marks & Spencer, Five Guys, TK Maxx and Flannels, we find a discarded heroin spoon next to a drain. It sits beside a water bottle, and contains residue which appears to be the class A drug. Nicole Harry, 40, a retail worker from Gateshead tells us: "I wouldn't bring my children into Newcastle after dark because of the homeless issue. Mayor calls for 'purge' of homeless people via sick method then doubles down on shock statement despite backlash "I often offer to buy beggars food from Greggs but if they refuse I don't give them money, as you don't know who is genuine. "I've seen one person get off the bus in £120 Nike trainers, put dirty trousers on over their jeans and set up shop begging on the street. "It's a tough issue because you want to help those who need it, but you know some are on drugs or are just after cash. "You can understand why they're on drugs, I think a lot of people would in their situation. Sometimes you can tell they have taken something. "My son will often chat to them and give them his lunch and many keep to themselves." Violence 15 One woman living on the streets told us she didn't feel safe as narcotics are rife amongst the homeless Credit: NNP Caroline, who didn't want to give her surname, has lived on the streets for four months after escaping an abusive relationship. The 40-year-old says narcotics are rife amongst the homeless community with many turning to zombie drug spice and heroin for comfort. "Spice, heroin and alcohol are the main offenders," she explains, while curled up in her sleeping bag. "It's getting really bad, a lot of people take them and now everyone thinks all homeless people are on drugs, so no one wants to help us. "They become extremely violent because they're on drugs. I've seen one of them run up to a stranger and punch them in the face. I've seen one person get off the bus in £120 Nike trainers, put dirty trousers on over their jeans and set up shop begging on the street Nicole Harry, retail worker "It's a volatile environment. They always come up to me and ask if I have drugs. Any money they get, they waste getting high. "I have seen people sitting with a crack pipe, they don't care. "I don't feel safe as a woman on the streets. I have taken so much abuse off strangers, I have been spat on, and people have hurled abuse at me. "I'm homeless because I left an abusive relationships and I can't get a home. I don't take drugs, I'm just trying to get some help." According to charity Shelter, the North East had the largest annual increase in homelessness in the country in 2024. The number rocketed from 1,500 to 2,300 in the space of just one year. Within the region, the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne contains the highest number of homeless people - an estimated 335 - followed by Sunderland (309) and Durham (306). Drug poisoning 15 Homelessness and anti-social behaviour are on the rise in Newcastle Credit: NNP 15 Locals say Newcastle city centre no longer feels safe Credit: NNP The North East has also experienced its largest number of drug-poisoning deaths for 11 years. In 2024, 174 died per million, compared to an average of 91 in England. Juliet Saunders, CEO of Feeding Families, a food bank in the region, says a "perfect storm" of conditions have led to the sharp rise in homelessness. She tells us: "We had to put a special provision in place for rough sleepers last year as it was clear there had been a huge increase. We had to put a special provision in place for rough sleepers last year as it was clear there had been a huge increase Juliet Saunders, CEO of Feeding Families "We started getting other charities contacting us because the normal food boxes we provide were no good to people who haven't got a home. "People were taking the boxes and throwing away the pasta and sauce because it was no use to them. "The homeless obviously have no access to cooking facilities, so they'd discard anything that needed a microwave or oven. "We decided to distribute a rough sleeper's pack containing foods that do not need to be cooked. "We gave out 2,000 of these last year. They are essentially survival packs. What people need to survive in extreme circumstances are carbs and sugar. Violence against rough sleepers CRISIS reveal people living on the street are nearly 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence 15 times more likely to have suffered verbal abuse in the past year 8 in 10 have suffered some sort of violence or abuse 35 per cent - more than one in three - have been deliberately hit or kicked or experienced a form of violence while homeless 34 per cent - more than a third - have had something thrown at them 9 per cent - nearly a tenth - have been urinated on Nearly half of homeless people (48 per cent) have been intimidated or threatened with violence Nearly six out of 10 (59 per cent) have been verbally abused or harrassed while homeless "The packs contain crisps, chocolate, cereal bars, nuts, pepperoni, noodles and mints. Often the homeless have access to hot water, but nothing more." Juliet adds: "A perfect storm has created the huge rise in homelessness. I am not surprised there was a 53 per cent rise last year. "There is a shortage of housing in this region. If you aren't in the council housing system and you have to go to a private landlord, there can be competition. You are unlikely to be chosen over someone who has a job. "I also think more relationships are breaking down. When I was at school, it was quite rare for someone to get divorced, but now that's very commonplace. 15 A homeless man struggling to stand in Newcastle Credit: NNP 15 Retiree Brian Naylor says some beggars can be very intimidating and 'get right in your face' Credit: NNP 15 Student Tom Wilkinson, 18, says the homeless problem is "really sad" Credit: NNP "When a couple separate, another home needs to be found for one partner, and sometimes that partner can end up sleeping rough. "Mental health is a big issue for all sorts of reasons, which also contributes. "There's not enough support available and it's a vicious circle. "Once you're homeless, it's very difficult to find a job and get out of that situation." Back in Newcastle another local, who didn't want to be named, says there are begging 'turf wars' plaguing the streets. "It's a massive issue, there are loads where I live in the city centre and they leave needles on the floor after shooting up," they tell us. "They all congregate at certain times when they have been moved on from somewhere else. "There are one or two genuine homeless people but the rest are drug addicts who have taken over. "There are begging turf wars, I see them take shifts. They can be intimidating, I used to smoke and they will come up and ask for a drag of your cigarette. There are begging turf wars, I see them take shifts. They can be intimidating, I used to smoke and they will come up and ask for a drag of your cigarette Local resident "I have lived here for 40 years and it never goes away." Brian Naylor, 70, a retired construction worker from Newcastle says some beggars can be intimidating. "There are more beggars in the city centre but they're not necessarily homeless. They just want money," he says. "They get right in your face asking for money, it can be intimidating for people. "There are some beggars who are really hostile. It's hard to know who is genuine." Tom Wilkinson, 18, a sports student at Northumbria University adds: "People can be intimidated by them begging, it just depends on if they are intoxicated. "I've seen homeless people on the high street but it's a problem across the country. It's really sad. "It doesn't bother me but there should be more help for the homeless in Newcastle." Dott, 61, a support worker who didn't want to give her surname, says she too has noticed a recent increase in the number of rough sleepers in the city. "There are a lot of homeless on the high street. They often hang around outside of Greggs and it can put people off going in those shops," she says. "You can tell that some of them are on drugs. It must be really hard for those who have hit hard times and are genuinely on the streets." Property crisis 15 Police say they work 'tirelessly' to ensure the city is a safe place to visit Credit: NNP 15 Fundraiser Christopher Clark says there's 'simply not enough homes' in the area Credit: NNP Christopher Clark, 54, a fundraiser from Newcastle says a lack of available housing is a significant factor contributing to the growing number of homeless. "I spotted some homeless people on the high street today and did think to myself there had been an increase," he admits. "I can understand why they turn to drugs, a lot of them are in pain and have experienced trauma. "We simply don't have enough housing in this country, it is an issue with more people coming into the country and mass immigration. "We don't have enough homes for the country and now we are housing other people. Homelessness help HERE is some useful information if you are homeless or know someone who is experiencing homelessness. FIRST CONTACT If you or someone you know is sleeping rough you can use the alert Streelink service to help connect them with outreach services: FOOD You can find free food stations via: The Pavement - for food and soup runs: Homeless Link - for day centres: The Trussell Trust - for food banks: Food Cycle - for food services - HOUSING Councils have a duty to help people who are homeless or facing homelessness. Contact the Housing Options team from the council you have a local connection to and see if they can offer: Emergency accommodation - a place in a shelter or a hostel Longer-term accommodation including independent or social housing Visit: During times of severe cold or heat, local councils have special accommodation known as Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP). Find out more here: For advice, support or legal services related to housing visit or call 0808 800 4444. You can also contact Crisis: For housing advice, call Shelter on 0808 800 4444 or visit: DAY CENTRES Day centres can help by providing internet access, free or cheap food, shower and laundry facilities, safe storage for belongings, phone charging and clothes, toiletries or sleeping bags. They can also help with services for benefits or immigration advice; health support; finding work; educational or social activities; hostel, night shelter or outreach referrals. Centres can be found through Homeless Link: BENEFITS Normally you can claim Universal Credit if you are sleeping on the streets or staying in a hostel. If you are in a hostel, you can claim Housing Benefit to help with rent. You do not need a fixed address or a bank account. USEFUL CONTACTS Crisis - visit: or call 0300 636 1967. Shelter - visit: or call 0808 800 4444. Centrepoint (for people aged 16-25) - visit: or call 0808 800 0661. St Mungo's (Bath, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Christchurch, Leicester, Oxford, Poole and Reading) - visit: or call 020 3856 6000. Depaul UK (for young people) - visit: or call 0207 939 1220. Citizen's Advice (legal advice) - visit: or call 0345 404 0506. The Samaritans (health and wellbeing) - or call 116 123. "There is a property crisis. I spoke to two brothers in Newcastle who were homeless and they said there was a systematic issue because they wanted to be housed together but were separated. "One of them was put in housing and he turned to drink because he was taken away from his brother. "We need to have a housing first policy where they are put in homes and then they can work on their addiction." 'City Safe' project 15 Charities say mental health issues are also behind the homeless crisis Credit: NNP Inspector Karen Madge of Newcastle city centre's Neighbourhood Policing Team says neighbourhood officers are working tirelessly to ensure Newcastle city centre is a safe place to visit, work and live for everyone. "The City Safe project, launched last year, brings together Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council and business improvement district NE1 to work in tandem to prevent crime, reduce anti-social behaviour," she tells us. "The project will provide increased access to support services for vulnerable people. "Working collaboratively with partners allows us to share intelligence and really get to the route of any issues. By identifying these issues early on, we can help prevent further incidents from happening. "Should anyone find themselves homeless or struggling with drug and alcohol misuse, our officers, support workers and those who can assist with housing issues, will work together. "We're committed to being there when the public need us." We simply don't have enough housing in this country, it is an issue with more people coming into the country and mass immigration Christopher Clark A Newcastle City Council spokesperson says while the city has a strong record of preventing homelessness, the combination of poverty, the rising cost of living, housing scarcity, increasing housing demand and limited supply presents a significant challenge for its housing system. "Our anti-poverty strategy sets out our commitment to make the prevention of homelessness everybody's responsibility through the identification of the triggers to homelessness including households struggling with income and debt," they tell us. "We aim to make sure that nobody is evicted into homelessness because they cannot afford to pay their rent. "Where people are homeless, we commission a range of options for accommodation with additional support to try and ensure that any experience of homelessness is rare, brief and nonrecurring. "This includes a dedicated multi-disciplinary team to support physical health and substance issues (and access to mental health support) for people who might be homeless or in temporary accommodation. "This team includes GP support, drug and alcohol workers and mental health social workers. "We want all of our residents to have a chance to live in a place that meets their needs and we offer a range of outreach support services to assist with this." 15 Some locals say it's hard shopping without getting hassled for money Credit: NNP
The Irish Sun
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
Tragic homeless crisis gripping UK city as hard-up rough sleepers fend off Spice addicts & fake beggars in £120 trainers
HUDDLED outside a luxury department store, a homeless man puffs on a suspicious-looking cigarette while young families hurry past. It's an increasingly common sight on the streets of the northern city - the epicentre of a 53 per cent rise in homelessness in the North East over the past year. Advertisement 15 Shoppers in Newcastle city centre have been struck by a rise in the number of homeless people on the streets Credit: NNP 15 Locals say antisocial behaviour in their beloved city has become out of control Credit: NNP 15 Drug users leave spice and needles strewn on the floor outside upmarket shops Credit: NNP 15 A discarded spoon of cooked-up heroin in an underground car park in the city centre Credit: NNP Concerned locals claim the heart of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, once a bustling shopping hotspot, has been 'taken over' by beggars high on Spice. Rough sleepers now camp outside department store Fenwick, famed for its luxurious designer brands, while vagrants on pavements sell friendship bracelets or sit before signs, one of which reads: "I am very hungry. God bless you." While many homeless people have fallen on genuine hard times, locals claim a growing number are fraudsters, or so-called 'professional beggars', who have homes to go to at the end of the day. Others are said to be more aggressive, attacking members of the public while high on drugs. Advertisement READ MORE FEATURES This week the Government announced it is scrapping the 200-year-old Vagrancy Act by spring next year, meaning rough sleeping will no longer be a crime - a decision welcomed by homeless charities across the UK. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner called the act "cruel and outdated" and insisted Labour will instead target organised begging by gangs. On a busy midweek morning, among shoppers and workers grabbing a coffee, we count up to 10 homeless people on the main high street in Newcastle, a stretch less than a quarter of a mile. In an underground car park right in the city centre, a stone's throw from Marks & Spencer, Five Guys, TK Maxx and Flannels, we find a discarded heroin spoon next to a drain. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive It sits beside a water bottle, and contains residue which appears to be the class A drug. Nicole Harry, 40, a retail worker from Mayor calls for 'purge' of homeless people via sick method then doubles down on shock statement despite backlash "I often offer to buy beggars food from Greggs but if they refuse I don't give them money, as you don't know who is genuine. "I've seen one person get off the bus in £120 Nike trainers, put dirty trousers on over their jeans and set up shop begging on the street. Advertisement "It's a tough issue because you want to help those who need it, but you know some are on drugs or are just after cash. "You can understand why they're on drugs, I think a lot of people would in their situation. Sometimes you can tell they have taken something. "My son will often chat to them and give them his lunch and many keep to themselves." Violence 15 One woman living on the streets told us she didn't feel safe as narcotics are rife amongst the homeless Credit: NNP Advertisement Caroline, who didn't want to give her surname, has lived on the streets for four months after escaping an abusive relationship. The 40-year-old says narcotics are rife amongst the homeless community with many turning to zombie drug spice and heroin for comfort. "Spice, heroin and alcohol are the main offenders," she explains, while curled up in her sleeping bag. "It's getting really bad, a lot of people take them and now everyone thinks all homeless people are on drugs, so no one wants to help us. Advertisement "They become extremely violent because they're on drugs. I've seen one of them run up to a stranger and punch them in the face. I've seen one person get off the bus in £120 Nike trainers, put dirty trousers on over their jeans and set up shop begging on the street Nicole Harry, retail worker "It's a volatile environment. They always come up to me and ask if I have drugs. Any money they get, they waste getting high. "I have seen people sitting with a crack pipe, they don't care. "I don't feel safe as a woman on the streets. I have taken so much abuse off strangers, I have been spat on, and people have hurled abuse at me. Advertisement "I'm homeless because I left an abusive relationships and I can't get a home. I don't take drugs, I'm just trying to get some help." According to charity Shelter, the North East had the largest annual increase in homelessness in the country in 2024. The number rocketed from 1,500 to 2,300 in the space of just one year. Within the region, the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne contains the highest number of homeless people - an estimated 335 - followed by Sunderland (309) and Durham (306). Advertisement Drug poisoning 15 Homelessness and anti-social behaviour are on the rise in Newcastle Credit: NNP 15 Locals say Newcastle city centre no longer feels safe Credit: NNP The North East has also experienced its largest number of drug-poisoning deaths for 11 years. In 2024, 174 died per million, compared to an average of 91 in England. Advertisement Juliet Saunders, CEO of Feeding Families, a food bank in the region, says a "perfect storm" of conditions have led to the sharp rise in homelessness. She tells us: "We had to put a special provision in place for rough sleepers last year as it was clear there had been a huge increase. We had to put a special provision in place for rough sleepers last year as it was clear there had been a huge increase Juliet Saunders, CEO of Feeding Families "We started getting other charities contacting us because the normal food boxes we provide were no good to people who haven't got a home. "People were taking the boxes and throwing away the pasta and sauce because it was no use to them. Advertisement "The homeless obviously have no access to cooking facilities, so they'd discard anything that needed a microwave or oven. "We decided to distribute a rough sleeper's pack containing foods that do not need to be cooked. "We gave out 2,000 of these last year. They are essentially survival packs. What people need to survive in extreme circumstances are carbs and sugar. Violence against rough sleepers CRISIS reveal people living on the street are nearly 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence 17 times more likely to have been victims of violence 15 times more likely to have suffered verbal abuse in the past year 8 in 10 have suffered some sort of violence or abuse 35 per cent - more than one in three - have been deliberately hit or kicked or experienced a form of violence while homeless 34 per cent - more than a third - have had something thrown at them 9 per cent - nearly a tenth - have been urinated on Nearly half of homeless people (48 per cent) have been intimidated or threatened with violence Nearly six out of 10 (59 per cent) have been verbally abused or harrassed while homeless "The packs contain crisps, chocolate, cereal bars, nuts, pepperoni, noodles and mints. Often the homeless have access to hot water, but nothing more." Advertisement Juliet adds: "A perfect storm has created the huge rise in homelessness. I am not surprised there was a 53 per cent rise last year. "There is a shortage of housing in this region. If you aren't in the council housing system and you have to go to a private landlord, there can be competition. You are unlikely to be chosen over someone who has a job. "I also think more relationships are breaking down. When I was at school, it was quite rare for someone to get divorced, but now that's very commonplace. 15 A homeless man struggling to stand in Newcastle Credit: NNP Advertisement 15 Retiree Brian Naylor says some beggars can be very intimidating and 'get right in your face' Credit: NNP 15 Student Tom Wilkinson, 18, says the homeless problem is "really sad" Credit: NNP "When a couple separate, another home needs to be found for one partner, and sometimes that partner can end up sleeping rough. "Mental health is a big issue for all sorts of reasons, which also contributes. Advertisement "There's not enough support available and it's a vicious circle. "Once you're homeless, it's very difficult to find a job and get out of that situation." Back in Newcastle another local, who didn't want to be named, says there are begging 'turf wars' plaguing the streets. "It's a massive issue, there are loads where I live in the city centre and they leave needles on the floor after shooting up," they tell us. Advertisement "They all congregate at certain times when they have been moved on from somewhere else. "There are one or two genuine homeless people but the rest are drug addicts who have taken over. "There are begging turf wars, I see them take shifts. They can be intimidating, I used to smoke and they will come up and ask for a drag of your cigarette. There are begging turf wars, I see them take shifts. They can be intimidating, I used to smoke and they will come up and ask for a drag of your cigarette Local resident "I have lived here for 40 years and it never goes away." Advertisement Brian Naylor, 70, a retired construction worker from Newcastle says some beggars can be intimidating. "There are more beggars in the city centre but they're not necessarily homeless. They just want money," he says. "They get right in your face asking for money, it can be intimidating for people. "There are some beggars who are really hostile. It's hard to know who is genuine." Advertisement Tom Wilkinson, 18, a sports student at Northumbria University adds: "People can be intimidated by them begging, it just depends on if they are intoxicated. "I've seen homeless people on the high street but it's a problem across the country. It's really sad. "It doesn't bother me but there should be more help for the homeless in Newcastle." Dott, 61, a support worker who didn't want to give her surname, says she too has noticed a recent increase in the number of rough sleepers in the city. Advertisement "There are a lot of homeless on the high street. They often hang around outside of Greggs and it can put people off going in those shops," she says. "You can tell that some of them are on drugs. It must be really hard for those who have hit hard times and are genuinely on the streets." Property crisis 15 Police say they work 'tirelessly' to ensure the city is a safe place to visit Credit: NNP 15 Fundraiser Christopher Clark says there's 'simply not enough homes' in the area Credit: NNP Advertisement Christopher Clark, 54, a fundraiser from Newcastle says a lack of available housing is a significant factor contributing to the growing number of homeless. "I spotted some homeless people on the high street today and did think to myself there had been an increase," he admits. "I can understand why they turn to drugs, a lot of them are in pain and have experienced trauma. "We simply don't have enough housing in this country, it is an issue with more people coming into the country and mass immigration. Advertisement "We don't have enough homes for the country and now we are housing other people. Homelessness help HERE is some useful information if you are homeless or know someone who is experiencing homelessness. FIRST CONTACT If you or someone you know is sleeping rough you can use the alert Streelink service to help connect them with outreach services: FOOD You can find free food stations via: The Pavement - for food and soup runs: Homeless Link - for day centres: The Trussell Trust - for food banks: Food Cycle - for food services - HOUSING Councils have a duty to help people who are homeless or facing homelessness. Contact the Housing Options team from the council you have a local connection to and see if they can offer: Emergency accommodation - a place in a shelter or a hostel Longer-term accommodation including independent or social housing Visit: During times of severe cold or heat, local councils have special accommodation known as Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP). Find out more here: For advice, support or legal services related to housing visit You can also contact Crisis: For housing advice, call Shelter on 0808 800 4444 or visit: DAY CENTRES Day centres can help by providing internet access, free or cheap food, shower and laundry facilities, safe storage for belongings, phone charging and clothes, toiletries or sleeping bags. They can also help with services for benefits or immigration advice; health support; finding work; educational or social activities; hostel, night shelter or outreach referrals. Centres can be found through Homeless Link: BENEFITS Normally you can claim Universal Credit if you are sleeping on the streets or staying in a hostel. If you are in a hostel, you can claim Housing Benefit to help with rent. You do not need a fixed address or a bank account. USEFUL CONTACTS Crisis - visit: Shelter - visit: Centrepoint (for people aged 16-25) - visit: St Mungo's (Bath, Bournemouth, Brighton, Bristol, Christchurch, Leicester, Oxford, Poole and Reading) - visit: Depaul UK (for young people) - visit: Citizen's Advice (legal advice) - visit: The Samaritans (health and wellbeing) - "There is a property crisis. I spoke to two brothers in Newcastle who were homeless and they said there was a systematic issue because they wanted to be housed together but were separated. "One of them was put in housing and he turned to drink because he was taken away from his brother. "We need to have a housing first policy where they are put in homes and then they can work on their addiction." Advertisement 'City Safe' project 15 Charities say mental health issues are also behind the homeless crisis Credit: NNP Inspector Karen Madge of Newcastle city centre's Neighbourhood Policing Team says neighbourhood officers are working tirelessly to ensure Newcastle city centre is a safe place to visit, work and live for everyone. "The City Safe project, launched last year, brings together Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council and business improvement district NE1 to work in tandem to prevent crime, reduce anti-social behaviour," she tells us. "The project will provide increased access to support services for vulnerable people. Advertisement "Working collaboratively with partners allows us to share intelligence and really get to the route of any issues. By identifying these issues early on, we can help prevent further incidents from happening. "Should anyone find themselves homeless or struggling with drug and alcohol misuse, our officers, support workers and those who can assist with housing issues, will work together. "We're committed to being there when the public need us." We simply don't have enough housing in this country, it is an issue with more people coming into the country and mass immigration Christopher Clark A Newcastle City Council spokesperson says while the city has a strong record of preventing homelessness, the combination of poverty, the rising cost of living, housing scarcity, increasing housing demand and limited supply presents a significant challenge for its housing system. Advertisement "Our anti-poverty strategy sets out our commitment to make the prevention of homelessness everybody's responsibility through the identification of the triggers to homelessness including households struggling with income and debt," they tell us. "We aim to make sure that nobody is evicted into homelessness because they cannot afford to pay their rent. "Where people are homeless, we commission a range of options for accommodation with additional support to try and ensure that any experience of homelessness is rare, brief and nonrecurring. "This includes a dedicated multi-disciplinary team to support physical health and substance issues (and access to mental health support) for people who might be homeless or in temporary accommodation. Advertisement "This team includes GP support, drug and alcohol workers and mental health social workers. "We want all of our residents to have a chance to live in a place that meets their needs and we offer a range of outreach support services to assist with this." 15 Some locals say it's hard shopping without getting hassled for money Credit: NNP 15 Shoppers used to love shopping in Newcastle's upmarket shops but now fear going out Credit: NNP Advertisement
Times
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Times
How Angela Rayner's unlikely rapport with the King is paying off
With a hand lifted up to shield his mouth from the watching camera crews, the King leant across to whisper to Angela Rayner. Leaning in to hear what was being said, a broad smile spread across the face of the deputy prime minister. We may never know what was said, unless it is disclosed by the 45-year-old Labour firebrand in her memoirs. However, the meeting at Dumfries House in Scotland was enough to show the world that there is an understanding between the pair. On the face of it, it is an unlikely friendship but one that is no less genuine as a result. The Times understands that Rayner has also held meetings with the King and the Prince of Wales that, while not secret, took place away from the cameras. Rayner's role as housing minister coincides not only with the King's personal concerns but also with those of his son. In April Rayner held a private meeting with Prince William at Windsor Castle. The details, again, are likely to remain private, but it is understood that the pair discussed William's Homewards project, his five-year campaign to make homelessness 'rare, brief and unrepeated'. This week Rayner announced that the government would be decriminalising rough sleeping by scrapping the 200-year-old Vagrancy Act from spring next year. It is a move that will be wholeheartedly supported by William, who has spoken of the need to remove the stigma around homelessness. Having slept rough on the streets of London in 2009 to raise awareness of the issue, the Prince of Wales hopes to eradicate the need for anyone to spend even a single night on the streets. This all comes back to Rayner, who has often spoken of her deep respect for the monarchy, and a commitment to Queen (now King) and country. As housing, communities and local government secretary, Rayner is responsible for overseeing Labour's pledge to build 1.5 million homes by 2029, creating a dozen new towns in the process. There are certainly those in the palace who wish her well. Her charm appears to have disarmed the King while she also appears to be thrilled to get to know him behind the scenes. They could barely come from more different worlds. She had a difficult childhood and was pregnant at 16 with her first child. In a recent interview with The Times, she was asked about a photograph in which Charles appears to be feigning shock in a comical response to one of her jokes. The Prince of Wales is committed to ending homelessness She declined to divulge what she had said to elicit such a response, saying: 'That's got to be private. But he's got a really good sense of humour. I know it sounds strange coming from me, but he's incredibly easy to get along with.' Royal sources point out that the King has many strong friendships across the political spectrum, but the pictures of Rayner in her bovver boots having a giggle with Charles is not one of his more obvious alliances. He laughs at her jokes, she listens intently to his thoughts and there's even a little good-natured mickey-taking, which most Britons would acknowledge as one of the signs of a fond friendship. 'Golly, what amazing trousers!' Charles said when Rayner turned up to a meeting in a bright green pair. Rayner's brief comes into contact with one of the King's great passions: that of creating affordable housing centred around sustainable themes and practical but aesthetically pleasing designs. Rayner and Charles were seen laughing together like old friends as she visited the Ayrshire headquarters of the King's Foundation. While weighty subjects were discussed, it was clear the pair felt relaxed in each other's company, the King chuckling away at Rayner's jokes and vice versa. Behind the scenes, as well as in front of the cameras, sources say they get on well. While monarchs and future kings are more likely to spend their time with the prime minister than their deputy, Rayner's role has set her apart. When the King invited Sir Keir Starmer to see a housing project he had inspired in Nansledan, Cornwall, in February, he extended the invitation to Rayner. In an unprecedented royal engagement, the trio were seen walking around the development, which is being built as a 540-acre extension to the seaside town of Newquay. While Starmer appeared slightly awkward, Rayner and the King chatted more freely. The pair in Newquay in February ALASTAIR GRANT/GETTY It will not have been lost on Charles's aides that Rayner's policies as housing minister will seek to address problems so often highlighted by senior members of the royal family, such as homelessness and affordable housing. Charles would prefer new houses to be aesthetically pleasing and believes that good design and community should be at the heart of any housing project. Rayner has also joined the King and other members of the royal family at Blenheim Palace and Westminster Abbey. That she has no time for Andrew (she allegedly once referred to him as a 'nonce') clearly will not stand against her. According to the book Get In by the journalists Patrick Maguire and Gabriel Pogrund, which tells the story of the Labour Party under Starmer's leadership, Rayner is reported to have told her office: 'I'm not going to vote to keep that nonce on … I can't go back to my constituency and say, 'Yeah, I support that'.' The book reported an aide saying: 'She was very actively reaching out to the palace, the upper echelons of the civil service and said she thought this [Andrew] was a huge problem, and that the government needed to address this, and that she would offer cross-party support to make sure it happened.' While she has been critical of Prince Andrew privately, she has defended the broader monarchy publicly. After the royal family was criticised in 2017 by Emma Dent Coad, then Labour MP for Kensington, she gave a television interview in which she said: 'They are a fantastic export. People love them across the world, and they contribute to everything that's British, and I don't have a problem with the royal family.' In turn, the palace appears to have welcomed Rayner with open arms. This month Rayner was invited on to a panel with Kristina Murrin, chief executive of the King's Foundation. When Charles arrived at the SXSW festival in east London this month, he was greeted by Rayner, Sir Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, and Eva Omaghomi, the King's former diversity tsar who chairs the festival's advisory council, among others. Earlier, Rayner had spoken at the festival about sustainable communities. It is a subject close to the King's heart and now, it seems, so is the deputy prime minister.
