Walsall Council leader rejects claims that authority is criminalising homelessness
The leader of Walsall Council has ‘categorically rejected’ claims that his approach to tackling beggars in the town centre is criminalising the homeless. The statement was given in response to a petition calling Walsall Council to ‘halt its attempt to criminalise homelessness’ in the town.
Councillor Garry Perry, who has been homeless himself, said he was offended when he saw the petition which has now been signed by over 1,000 people. Last year councillor Perry promised to tackle the surge of ‘organised criminal gangs’ of beggars in the town centre.
Councillor Perry reaffirmed last night that his position has always been to assist those facing homelessness with compassion and empathy. He vowed to continue to fight for a system which helps people rebuild their lives with dignity.
Speaking at the overview scrutiny committee, councillor Perry said: “There’s a very clear distinction between those in genuine need and those who exploit the kindness of others to engage in aggressive, organised begging.
“When I became leader, many people told me to sort the town centre out. It doesn’t feel safe. We have businesses whose livelihoods are threatened. I received a letter this weekend about a male at the Arboretum traffic lights with a stick who has taken to hammering on the windows. This is harassment and unnerving.
“I’ve received countless letters from residents and businesses and their concerns cannot be ignored. In Walsall, only one in five are genuine rough sleepers. The rest are caught up in criminal activity or are committing those crimes themselves. More often than not we see them from other areas.
“It’s not about persecuting those in need. It’s about making sure Walsall remains safe and welcoming for everyone. We’ve been praised for our work because our statistics of rough sleepers are down to single numbers.”
Councillor Perry recounted several occasions of personally assisting rough sleepers by finding accommodation on the same night and support thereafter. But he also shared encounters where support was refused, including one exploited individual being forced to beg who feared for his life. Councillor Perry said the case was reported to the relevant team.
He continued: “We’re investigating and intervening where begging is linked to criminal exploitation but providing that right level of intervention is not as easy as it may seem.
“I’m trying to take a responsible approach to keeping people safe while supporting those who mean it. I will be the first to speak to our finance officers about whether additional resources are needed for rough sleepers. I’m genuinely on the side of those who need support.
“But when those individuals are repeat offenders and shun the offer of support we’re providing them, we need to take action against that as well.”
