Homeless people ‘harassed’ by Oxford doorway fines threat of up to £2,500

Homeless people are being harassed by warnings they could be fined for leaving their belongings in doorways in Oxford, the Green Party’s Larry Sanders has said.

Notices citing the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act have been pictured in an area where there are bags belonging to rough sleepers and items donated by the public in the city centre.

Reports of the fine notices of up to £2,500 being issued by Oxford City Council have been criticised by former county councillor Larry Sanders.

The brother of former US presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders said he felt the council was taking the wrong approach.

Mr Sanders, who is the health and social care spokesperson for the Green Party, said: “In general, everybody knows that vulnerable people are not helped by fines and harassment. If anything helps it’s thoughtful kindness.

“I think it (the council) has to stop harassing people, absolutely.”

Asked if he was talking about the fines when he used the term “harassment”, he said: “I think that the whole system does amount to harassment, yes.”

He added: “It has to be said the underlying problem is the Government’s cuts. That’s the next stage back, and the whole housing crisis.”

Green Party councillor and leader of the Green group David Thomas described the warnings as “intimidating”.

The councillor, who was sent photographs of the notices by a party colleague, said: “It’s an inappropriate use of anti-social legislation which is intimidating people in a very vulnerable position.”

The council said it is committed to helping the homeless.

It tweeted: “Bags had been left blocking fire escapes in Cornmarket Street, posing a risk to those working inside.

“We put notices on all the bags, giving owners two days to remove their belongings.

“After two days the owners had removed everything apart from a soiled duvet and pieces of cardboard, which we removed.

“Lockers are available for homeless people who are accessing services in the city to store their belongings.

“We work closely with homelessness charities to support homeless people in Oxford, and every year we spend £1.4 million to fund a wide range of outreach and support services.”

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