Fears shelter signage would make city a ‘magnet for the homeless’

Signage which directs homeless people in Gloucester to where they can get help is not being put up because it would make the city a “magnet for rough sleepers”, civic chiefs have been told.

Councillors have raised concerns about the issue of homelessness and how it is a matter which gets “glossed over” in the city.

Councillor Brendon O’Donnell (C, Matson, Robinswood and White City) and Councillor Tree Chambers-Dubus (L, Moreland) are working to find solutions to help some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.

But Cllr O’Donnell was recently told that signs which direct people to shelters are not being put up out of fear it will make Gloucester an attractive destination for rough sleepers from other places.

He raised his concerns about the situation in a written question to Gloucester City Council chiefs last week. The homeless issue gets glossed over in Gloucester, when in fact it is a major issue, he said.

“I have already been told we won’t put up any signage to show where the shelters are for those who don’t know, and the reason was we don’t want to make Gloucester too attractive for homeless people not from Gloucester.”

He asked council leaders if they would consider supporting BillyChip, a charity that works with shops and cafes to help the homeless.

Businesses can sell blue chips to the public and instead of giving beggars money, they give them the BillyChip and they can trade it in for a hot meal and drink, Cllr O’Donnell said.

He told councillors at the council meeting on January 26 that the whole process of how homeless people are looked after needs to be reviewed. Maybe partner organisations should be allowed to have more of an input, he said.

“I understand the council is under the illusion that if they did certain things it would make Gloucester a magnet for other homeless people.

“But true homeless people and rough sleepers who are on our streets would not always agree.” Cllr O’Donnell said BillyChip could help ease the problem of begging on Gloucester’s streets.

Planning and housing strategy cabinet member Stephanie Chambers (C, Quedgeley Fieldcourt) said the council works with many partners in helping vulnerable and homeless people in Gloucester.

She commended the councillors’ efforts in encouraging people to take up the Billy Chip scheme.

In her written response to Cllr O’Donnell, she said that reducing homelessness and rough sleeping is a key strategic priority for the council.

She said: “The reasons why households become homeless are both numerous and varied, and council officers along with partners will determine the most appropriate course of action to support households depending on their specific circumstances and needs always taking into consideration the autonomy of the individuals concerned.

“Referrals to relevant support services will be completed where appropriate by council officers and partners, and it is not therefore appropriate to publicise individual support services.”

Anyone who considers that they are at risk of homelessness should initially make contact with the council’s housing team via 01452 396396 or so that they can provide advice and assistance.

Where members of the public become aware of an individual sleeping rough, the council urges them to notify Streetlink (website: www.streetlink.org.uk, mobile app: ‘StreetLink’ from Apple iTunes/Google Play store, or phone: 0300 500 0914) as this will ensure that the referral is passed directly to the city’s rough sleeper outreach and support service who will then visit and engage with the individual.

By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk