Aberdeen move to ban beggars revived
26 Jul 06
Executive to re-examine proposal for blanket ban byelaw
A move to ban beggars from the streets of Aberdeen has been given new life on a reconsideration from the Scottish Executive.
Earlier this year the Executive rejected a proposed by-law put forward by Aberdeen City Council, on the basis that byelaws should not duplicate existing offence provisions such as the Civic Government and Antisocial Behaviour Acts, or common law breach of the peace. However, Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said on a visit to the city that ministers would take another look at the proposal, and promised that his civil servants would reopen discussions with city officials.
The council wants to bring in a byelaw which would impose a blanket ban on begging, following a report which revealed that at least 25 people were begging regularly in the city centre, including some who had homes in the suburbs. Some were said to adopt an intimidating manner to obtain money.
Aberdeen would be the first Scottish city to have such a rule in place.