"Don’t ‘demonise’ beggars", says SCSH

SCSH today responded angrily to reports that the UK Government is set to spend £ 0.25 million on an advertising campaign telling the public not to give money to beggars. SCSH strongly believes that taxpayers’ money for this campaign would be better spent on providing services that help people into a decent lifestyle off the streets.

Chris Campbell Deputy Director of the Scottish Council for Single Homeless says " The RSU is an English Initiative and we trust the Scottish Executive would favour a different approach. There has been recent research in Scotland which has confirmed the traumatic experiences which people who beg on the streets face. Abuse, rape and mental health problems all featured".

John Dickie, Head of Youth Housing at SCSH added " The fact that many people begging are struggling with alcohol and drug use is a challenge to both the UK and Scottish Governments to develop quality resettlement and rehabilitation services. It is not an excuse to attack beggars and tell the public how they should spend their money"

SCSH firmly believes the £0.25 million for this UK led advertising campaign would be better spent in helping people who beg, not ‘demonising’ them.