City council wants donations going to those who need it most this Christmas.
Milton Keynes City Council is urging local people to support rough sleepers in the right way and be wary of professional beggars, especially now, as winter sets in.
The council is working in partnership with Thames Valley Police, homeless charity SMART and MyMiltonKeynes Business Improvement District, to remind residents and visitors to the city that while begging is often linked to rough sleeping, it’s not always the case.
Professional beggars are known to operate in the city centre and, while it might be well-intentioned, giving money to them is doing more harm than good.
The city council works all year to support vulnerable people who are rough sleeping to help them secure a life off the streets for good. They say that nobody needs money to get into its shelter, which offers a safe space, facilities and ongoing support.
And they add that people wishing to make a donation to help the homeless and rough sleepers should do so through charities such as Shelter or by using the special ‘tap to donate’ points in the city centre.
“The issue of professional beggars isn’t unique to Milton Keynes, but it does cause issues, and we ask for everyone’s help to make it a less attractive proposition,” said Cllr Donna Fuller, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Communities.
“Our focus is on helping people who genuinely need our support. We’ve invested in facilities and a brilliant team who offer long term support, and this is really having a positive impact for those individuals we’re helping off the streets.
“Most people sleeping rough do not beg and most people begging do not sleep rough – you may be doing more harm than good by giving. The best thing you can do for someone you think might be sleeping rough is to contact us, so we can offer them accommodation and connect them to the right support.”
