COUNCILS across south Essex have denied claims they are fining homeless people for begging and sleeping rough.

Authorities have been criticised for using public space protection orders as an excuse to get rid of those in need.

However councils, including Basildon and Southend, insist the powers are only used to combat issues such as anti-social behaviour, drunken behaviour and aggressive or professional begging.

They denied claims they were punishing the poor.

Councillor Tony Cox, representative for housing, said: “There are no plans to target those who are genuinely homeless and in need of help.

“We offer a wide range of support services that prevent hundreds of people and families becoming homeless in the first place, and partnership outreach services that attempt to connect those who do find themselves on the streets with help, support and accommodation.

“However, those who refuse offers of help and engage in anti-social behaviour such as professional begging in the High Street can be dealt with through enforcement measures such as criminal behaviour orders issued and enforced by the police.

“These orders, which are only issued as a last resort, may prevent entry into the High Street for example, but can also include positive requirements forcing them to engage with rehabilitation and treatment services.

“We have a non-drinking zone in the town centre which is covered by a PSPO and is enforced by the police.

A spokesman for Basildon Council said: “Basildon town centre and the surrounding area is subject to a PSPO to provide additional powers to reduce alcohol related anti-social behaviour. There are no plans to widen the PSPO to cover begging in the area.

“Basildon Council has measures in place to successfully help rough sleepers off the streets. We work closely with homelessness charity St Mungo’s to provide an outreach service, with workers going out and talking to people on the streets about their situation, their health and other issues with an aim of securing accommodation for them.”

Across the country hundreds of fines have been issued for persistent and aggressive begging and loitering.

Southend has had a problem with aggressive begging and new plans are being put in place to deal with it.

Discussions are currently taking place between the council, police and Southend Bid.

A spokesman for Castle Point Council, when asked about fining the homless, said: “We have no plans to take such action as we do not have a major issue with rough sleeping in Castle Point.”

The national criticism is centred on punishing the poor rather than helping people in need.