Call to ban begging
5 Jan 05
Glasgow Council leader calls for change in law on begging
Charles Gordon, leader of Glasgow Council, is calling for a ban on begging on the streets of Scotland.
Mr Gordon says the law should be changed to allow councils to take tougher action against beggars - particularly those who act aggressively, it is reported in today's Herald. He wants to follow England's lead where several cities have used antisocial behaviour orders to banish persistent beggars.
Last year Aberdeen tried to introduce a by-law to do the same but this looks likely to be overruled by the Scottish Executive. At present it is not a criminal offence to ask strangers for money.