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Politics

Homeless to have tents banned

381 replies

dubsie · 04/11/2023 20:50

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/nov/04/suella-braverman-says-rough-sleeping-is-lifestyle-choice

No one wants to see people sleeping in tents in cities but what are homeless people meant to do. Given the choice I think I'd choose a tent over a shop door way or a park bench...and I don't think many people choose being homeless ....not a lifestyle choice for most people.

I think this is more the fact that people like this minister can't stand the sight of homeless people, it reminds them that their decisions have consequences

Suella Braverman says rough sleeping is ‘lifestyle choice’

Home secretary criticised for tweets vowing to restrict use of tents by homeless people, ‘many of them from abroad’

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/nov/04/suella-braverman-says-rough-sleeping-is-lifestyle-choice

OP posts:
Thread gallery
12
jgw1 · 06/11/2023 18:28

DuncinToffee · 06/11/2023 12:37

Sunak declines to back Braverman in calling rough sleeping 'lifestyle choice' - but he does not acccept term was offensive.

At the Downing Street lobby briefing No 10 was unable to defend Suella Braverman’s claim that rough sleeping is a “lifestyle choice”.

If the Prime Minister is unable to defend the words of one of his Ministers shouldn't he sack them, or is he too weak?

mathanxiety · 06/11/2023 17:42

The vast majority of these people are homeless because they're addicts, it's all they care about. Some will break the cycle but unfortunately the majority of them won't and more importantly do not want to despite what Mumsnet will have you believe.

Do you realise that being addicted is like having a hijacker in your brain?

Hence do not want to.

mathanxiety · 06/11/2023 17:40

The Democrats are notoriously bad at running cities. But they'll always be voted back in in these places. The Republicans are worse at running the country but California was never as bad as a red state. It took a Republican to turn New York around in the 90s after the Dems ran it into the ground (and will again).

Absolute tripe.

It was the deranged policies wrt federal funds for housing and the 'War on Drugs' under Reagan x 2 and Bush x 1 that destroyed cities, and they're still picking up the pieces.

moetmoet · 06/11/2023 16:39

moetmoet
About time someone did something about it.

Many of these people do choose to live this life, in these kinds of pop-up communities. I worked near a place (high rise with windows) where they would regularly shoot up and crap on the floor in full view. They had a row of tents that they would regularly return back to with their stolen shoplifted goods. One of the homeless men actually had a council flat but gave it up as he preferred the tent community.

We would have to walk past these people in the dark back to our cars which was terrifying, a few people were mugged. Some of these homeless would smoke crack or shoot up in the same multi story car park, piss all over it and you'd sometimes have to step over men to get down the stairs.

Nobody wants to see or be near this, it's disgusting. These people have had chance after chance after chance. I don't care what they do with them, but this softly softly approach helps nobody. Harsh punishment for these absolute ghouls plaguing our streets.

Can you elaborate on the "chances" these people have had?

@CBAanymoreTBH

Well I'd say we have a very good safety net for people in terms of benefits and housing handouts if they cannot or won't work.

Why are these people on the streets? I gave you an example in my OP, one of the homeless men concerned had a flat and gave it up as he preferred his tent life. That's where he started, in social housing. He chose to be on the streets. He won't be the only one which is why I cannot say that SB is wrong.

The vast majority of these people are homeless because they're addicts, it's all they care about. Some will break the cycle but unfortunately the majority of them won't and more importantly do not want to despite what Mumsnet will have you believe.

Why the hell should we have to put up with it? Seriously read my OP. Why the hell should we put up with that?

Before any clever sod responds again with 'opera' comments, my father was one of 'these people' and died of a heroin overdose. Incidentally he had various social housing properties over the years. I have seen and dealt with this first hand, I've seen how this goes. I am familiar with it and have no time for it.

User135644 · 06/11/2023 16:23

Teddleshon · 06/11/2023 09:05

He has long been left wing (and devoted many years to working with the homeless) but fairly recently renounced the Democrats largely due to their failed social policies in San Francisco.

He 100% accepts man made climate change but is against climate alarmism and instead wants to pursue technological advances and nuclear power to fight it. There are plenty of liberals who hold this view. Unless you embrace identity politics of course.

The Democrats are notoriously bad at running cities. But they'll always be voted back in in these places. The Republicans are worse at running the country but California was never as bad as a red state. It took a Republican to turn New York around in the 90s after the Dems ran it into the ground (and will again).

moetmoet · 06/11/2023 16:22

DuncinToffee · 06/11/2023 16:03

Yes, it must be terribly inconvenient having to step over them when you come out of the opera

I'm stepping over them to get out of the car park and into work. Which is probably what they should be doing, instead they're having a lie in.

CBAanymoreTBH · 06/11/2023 16:21

moetmoet · 06/11/2023 15:26

About time someone did something about it.

Many of these people do choose to live this life, in these kinds of pop-up communities. I worked near a place (high rise with windows) where they would regularly shoot up and crap on the floor in full view. They had a row of tents that they would regularly return back to with their stolen shoplifted goods. One of the homeless men actually had a council flat but gave it up as he preferred the tent community.

We would have to walk past these people in the dark back to our cars which was terrifying, a few people were mugged. Some of these homeless would smoke crack or shoot up in the same multi story car park, piss all over it and you'd sometimes have to step over men to get down the stairs.

Nobody wants to see or be near this, it's disgusting. These people have had chance after chance after chance. I don't care what they do with them, but this softly softly approach helps nobody. Harsh punishment for these absolute ghouls plaguing our streets.

Can you elaborate on the "chances" these people have had?

User135644 · 06/11/2023 16:19

Teddleshon · 06/11/2023 08:59

@Piggywaspushed the problem in San Francisco now is completely off the scale compared to what came before.

I guess people are concerned about the situation in the US because so often what happens there happens here 5-10 years later.

And it's rare for a Tory to put American down as a warning sign (rightly in this case).

Usually they can't wait to copy everything they do which funnily enough is a big part of the mess we're in. Even part of the Brexit mentality amongst Tories was a dislike for Europe and a love for America.

DuncinToffee · 06/11/2023 16:03

Yes, it must be terribly inconvenient having to step over them when you come out of the opera

moetmoet · 06/11/2023 15:26

About time someone did something about it.

Many of these people do choose to live this life, in these kinds of pop-up communities. I worked near a place (high rise with windows) where they would regularly shoot up and crap on the floor in full view. They had a row of tents that they would regularly return back to with their stolen shoplifted goods. One of the homeless men actually had a council flat but gave it up as he preferred the tent community.

We would have to walk past these people in the dark back to our cars which was terrifying, a few people were mugged. Some of these homeless would smoke crack or shoot up in the same multi story car park, piss all over it and you'd sometimes have to step over men to get down the stairs.

Nobody wants to see or be near this, it's disgusting. These people have had chance after chance after chance. I don't care what they do with them, but this softly softly approach helps nobody. Harsh punishment for these absolute ghouls plaguing our streets.

caringcarer · 06/11/2023 15:12

QuickDraining · 04/11/2023 21:28

She's odds on favourite for next Tory leader.

I'm pretty sure I saw that Kemi Badenoch was likely to be the next Tory leader.

mathanxiety · 06/11/2023 14:43

Piggywaspushed · 06/11/2023 06:59

Great post.

But, also, all one has to do is Google tent cities to discover they exist all over the US, yes most especially in the West - but going West is as engrained in the American psyche as London's streets being paved with gold in ours. And it's no surprise California has most - it is after all the most populated state.

Nevada, Washington State and Washington DC, Colorado, Hawaii, Alaska, NY, Florida, Minnesota, Illinois, Georgia - all have extensive tent cities. Amongst others.

I live in Illinois.

'Tent cities' is a huge stretch. 'Extensive tent cities' is utter nonsense.

Same goes for all the rest of the colder, northerly states on your list.

The vast majority of people counted as homeless in Illinois in any given year are not living on the streets/ in tents. They are doubling up with relatives or friends.

Sheltered or unsheltered homeless people in cold climates are a very small minority of the homeless total.

Daftasabroom · 06/11/2023 14:39

fetchacloth · 06/11/2023 14:36

Correct and what's more this situation has spiralled out of control since downgrading cannabis.

Presumably you can back all this up @fetchacloth and @usernamealreadytaken ?

fetchacloth · 06/11/2023 14:36

usernamealreadytaken · 06/11/2023 13:50

It might not be a straightforward choice, but there is always an element of choice. Have a conversation with an addict, they are often aware that their behaviour is destructive (both to themselves and others) and know they have options, but they choose the path of least resistance.

Correct and what's more this situation has spiralled out of control since downgrading cannabis.

mathanxiety · 06/11/2023 14:33

Teddleshon · 06/11/2023 09:05

He has long been left wing (and devoted many years to working with the homeless) but fairly recently renounced the Democrats largely due to their failed social policies in San Francisco.

He 100% accepts man made climate change but is against climate alarmism and instead wants to pursue technological advances and nuclear power to fight it. There are plenty of liberals who hold this view. Unless you embrace identity politics of course.

There are plenty of liberals who hold this view.

There's no law against being wrong. The risk of embarrassment usually prevents people from being wrong so publicly, though.

fetchacloth · 06/11/2023 14:30

Piggywaspushed · 06/11/2023 10:20

Not seen tent 'cities' in Birmingham either. Not sure where their money will be to fix it.

Suella's crested vision, let's face it is of sprawling intimidating 'cities' of tents in front of Claire's Accessories and White Stuff. Thsi vision she creates is frightening to people (people upthread have alluded to it) and almost entirely non existent.

Not in the middle of Birmingham but a mile or so outside the centre. There's loads around Bordesley Circus and surrounding areas.

Alexandra2001 · 06/11/2023 14:30

Or the fact they are migrants, not refugees, that have no recourse to seek asylum or any kind of assistance from the UK

To access a lot of those kind of places, the individual has to have been referred by a council homelessness worker or mental health or addiction worker

MN seems to think it's the tragic homeless victims of Tory policy that have been let down by the system that Braverman is going on about

Have you any idea of the waiting lists for these people to make assessments?

Who do you think is responsible for the 100s of '000s of migrants awaiting decisions on asylum cases? & then fails to deport?
Who has failed to stop migrants coming to the UK?

Any ideas?

Daftasabroom · 06/11/2023 14:29

usernamealreadytaken · 06/11/2023 13:55

Have you actually read the full thread? If you had, you'd find examples of actual people with experience telling you that even when support is in place, some people don't accept it and prefer what they are used to. I volunteered in a homeless shelter and it was referral only due to numbers; we'd frequently have a lady come looking for a meal and a bed who hadn't been referred so we couldn't accommodate her, and she would sleep nearby in a doorway. She had a secure single room in a half-way house but many of her friends were still rough sleeping and she preferred to spend her time with them. One young lady with mental health issues lived in supported living with help in place, but regularly left and ended up on the street when her latest "boyfriend" booted her out. It's not black and white, no matter how much you wish it to be.

I don't think we're at odds with other. My multi tasking isn't fully up to speed today.

The help I was referring to is the help that goes some way to preventing these crisis occurring in the first place and that have been decimated by 16 years of Torry government. Sure Start, family support services, young peoples services, support for care leavers, service leavers, support for carers, mental health.

For all those who think homelessness is a lifestyle choice please read: Stuart: A Life Backwards by Alexander Masters. It's on Amazon for £3.57 including delivery, used.

mathanxiety · 06/11/2023 14:26

usernamealreadytaken · 06/11/2023 13:50

It might not be a straightforward choice, but there is always an element of choice. Have a conversation with an addict, they are often aware that their behaviour is destructive (both to themselves and others) and know they have options, but they choose the path of least resistance.

You are aware of the biological aspect of addiction, right?

Alexandra2001 · 06/11/2023 14:25

Pigsinblanketstoastie · 06/11/2023 09:37

Just Google tent cities UK. Brighton, Leeds, Plymouth, Manchester, Cardiff, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Sheffield parts of London all come up on the front page. Many directly in town centres including parks. I'm sure there's more.

Now, they may not officially constitute 'tent cities' but its clear tent-users/encampments ARE significantly visible in a number of UK town centres, parks and seafronts.

I call bollox on this... i live nr Plymouth, my partner lives in Plymouth and there is zero issue with tents in the city centre, yes there are beggars and a few tents (about 6 on the Hoe) but the council acted and removed them/offered housing.

Anyone who has been up on the Hoe in one of the very regular storms that sweep in from the channel, knows full well a tent wont last long up there.

Yes and i did google plymouth too, it was the Daily Express... which is good only for cleaning up seagull shit.

If people are now forced to live in tents, then thats down to the Government, the Tories.

Pigsinblanketstoastie · 06/11/2023 14:05

DuncinToffee · 06/11/2023 13:42

You mean the ones who make a lifestyle choice?

And who are these ones?

The one's who are kicked out of housing due to their domestically violent/criminal/antisocial behaviour. Or the fact they are migrants, not refugees, that have no recourse to seek asylum or any kind of assistance from the UK.

So they're offered night shelters but choose the streets where they don't have to abide to any kind of even loose rules.

There are plenty of drug-using hostels in many cities collaquilly called 'wet houses' where people can be housed full time and drink and use drugs and it's accepted as serving the most vulnerable demographic and putting a roof over their head but it still doesn't suit some people as there have to be some rules in place about theft, violence and sexual assault on staff and other residents being unacceptable.

To access a lot of those kind of places, the individual has to have been referred by a council homelessness worker or mental health or addiction worker.

MN seems to think it's the tragic homeless victims of Tory policy that have been let down by the system that Braverman is going on about.

I don't think she is, she's quite clearly talking not about victims of a very clear housing crisis, but another demographic.

DuncinToffee · 06/11/2023 13:58

usernamealreadytaken · 06/11/2023 13:57

"I was in the very area yesterday and encountered the 16 or so rough sleepers who resist help. No tents. Sleeping bags." Making the choice to resist help isn't a choice?

So who are the ones choosing this as a lifestyle according to you?

usernamealreadytaken · 06/11/2023 13:57

DuncinToffee · 06/11/2023 13:42

You mean the ones who make a lifestyle choice?

And who are these ones?

"I was in the very area yesterday and encountered the 16 or so rough sleepers who resist help. No tents. Sleeping bags." Making the choice to resist help isn't a choice?

usernamealreadytaken · 06/11/2023 13:55

Daftasabroom · 06/11/2023 13:16

The help isn't available, otherwise they wouldn't be there in the first place.

Have you actually read the full thread? If you had, you'd find examples of actual people with experience telling you that even when support is in place, some people don't accept it and prefer what they are used to. I volunteered in a homeless shelter and it was referral only due to numbers; we'd frequently have a lady come looking for a meal and a bed who hadn't been referred so we couldn't accommodate her, and she would sleep nearby in a doorway. She had a secure single room in a half-way house but many of her friends were still rough sleeping and she preferred to spend her time with them. One young lady with mental health issues lived in supported living with help in place, but regularly left and ended up on the street when her latest "boyfriend" booted her out. It's not black and white, no matter how much you wish it to be.