Two events taking place this week highlight the delicious irony of the approach of London's leaders to supporting the homeless.
On Thursday 15th November, an Awards ceremony will take place. The Award is the Andy Ludlow Homelessness Award. £25,000 presented by the London Councils' organisation
"The winners of the Andy Ludlow Homeless Awards 2007 will be announced at a special ceremony at BFI Southbank next week – with £25,000 to be shared between organisations tackling homelessness in London.
The Andy Ludlow Awards recognise projects that improve services to homeless people, prevent homelessness, or tackle disadvantage caused by homelessness".
http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/doc.asp?doc=21198&cat=2424
However, the same organisation will - just two days earlier - be debating a proposal from Westminster Council to make it a criminal offence punishable by a fine of up to £2,500 to distribute free food to the homeless on publicly owned land.
http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/upload/public/attachments/1250/071015%20As%20advertised%20(FINAL).pdf
Where page 14 states:
Quote:
It is proposed to prohibit the distribution of free refreshments on land designated by a London borough council. It would also be an offence to cause another person to distribute such refreshments. To be designated, land would have to be in the open air, and open to public access.
Unlawful distribution of free food would be an offence, and would be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.
Exemptions would be included, for example, the distribution of refreshments to people taking part in sporting events or giving out free samples outside retail premises.
Whilst trumpeting its concerns for the homeless in its Awards ceremony, it seems that some at least of the members of the London Councils Leaders Committee seem more interested in sweeping them out of view and criminalising those who seek to help.
Concerned members of the public have contacted Mr Hatch, as suggested by the consultation on the private bill which is intended to introduce this new criminal offence of feeding the homeless
Quote:
Comments should be sent to Oliver Hatch, Parliamentary and Public Affairs Officer,
London Councils, 59½ Southwark Street, London SE1 OAL or on
But are receiving a standard response of
Quote:
The proposal was put forwards by Westminster City Council.
This and the other proposals for the forthcoming London Local Authorities Bill will be discussed and decided tomorrow.
Oliver Hatch
Parliamentary & Public Affairs Officer
London Councils
59½ Southwark Street
London, SE1 0AL
T 020 7934 9558
M 07711-423655
The awards ceremony takes place on Thursday, 15 November at 11.30am at the BFI Southbank. Special guests include Iain Wright MP and broadcaster Jon Snow. It is being organised by Councillor Carswell.
Iain Wright (http://www.iainwrightmp.org.uk) is a Labour MP.
Councillor Carswell (Lab) is the person responsible for the awards and for homelessness issues.
http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/doc.asp?doc=18403
I emplore you to do anything within your power to stop this madness, how can any civilised nation outlaw giving food to the hungry and homeless.
