Begging in Northern Ireland

Cotta

Afternoon All,

Admittedly this is not a problem unique to NI, but as this is the NI sectionI thought it could be looked at from this angle.

As I mentioned in an earlier post I walked past the Christmas market at cityhall today which is heavily promoted within the media and people from all overNI visit it. By contrast as I was walking past the market there was a ladybegging outside a Centra shop at Donegal square. This lady seems to be theredaily and as of late has became a little more aggressive in her demands formoney - surely in a modern Belfast this can be addressed? Where the lady isquestion is positioned has caused people to walk into her etc and she has gothurt as a result.

Amazing how people boast about the Christmas market but this is going onless than 15 feet from it.

What are your thoughts?

ooo000ooo

If people are stupid enough to give them money then they'll keep begging. Having seen the homeless and disabled person, who used to beg outside the abbey national on royal avenue, get up at the end of the day and walk off with no obvious affliction and get into his car, i'd keep my money in my pocket.
I've seen and heard many stories about the husbands of these lady beggars picking them up at the end of their shift in nice cars and taking them home to their nice houses.

Rockman

I don't generally have a problem with street beggars (except for Big issue sellers) because I have got used to them and they are a part of life in all major cities. I just can't understand why anyone would actually give them any money. If I am feeling generous I will give my pennies to a proper charity.

Who is responsible for moving street beggars on? Is the the police or the Council?

Cotta

Rockman wrote: »

Who is responsible for moving street beggars on? Is the the police or the Council?

Good question.

A.L.D.A

Rockman wrote: »

If I am feeling generous I will give my pennies to a proper charity.

Now there is an interesting one. There seem to be so many charities nowadays all doing such wonderful things. All receiving all sorts of grants and tax breaks like not paying rates. Personally I think there should be a general tightening up as the only ones some benefit are those receiving salaries within the charity. Be very careful who you donate to and who you assist as some are not at all what they seem.

Cotta

A.L.D.A wrote: »

Now there is an interesting one. There seem to be so many charities nowadays all doing such wonderful things. All receiving all sorts of grants and tax breaks like not paying rates. Personally I think there should be a general tightening up as the only ones some benefit are those receiving salaries within the charity. Be very careful who you donate to and who you assist as some are not at all what they seem.

I have a relative who works as a vounteer at a local charity shop - possibly up to 15 hours per week. I believe the Manager gets over £30k. Barnardos also pay obscene wages to their Managers and also allow them to go to high profile functions at least once a week - all expenses paid of course.

There are also the radio stations such as Downtown's "Cash for Kids," this seems to be more about DJ's on an ego trip.

guiriman

A.L.D.A wrote: »

Be very careful who you donate to and who you assist as some are not at all what they seem.

I agree with that. A lot of charities (certainly the bigger ones) have financial figures you can download from their website, it makes for interesting reading! Personally I don't mind if the gift aided part of my donation goes on admin and governance but that's my limit, beyond that they can get money from someone else. Having worked for a local medical testing company I was appalled to see how the money was spent, so research type charities are a no-no for me.

donnac2558

I know who you mean, and people keep giving her money. :mad: She is a Romania gypsy. She just shouts "Change!" If she got hurt, that is her fault. Do not give her money!

As long as she holds one copy of Big Issue or Issues she is not classed as begging. And cannot be moved on. Well the shops can move them if they are on their property. The local Co.op has move one on a few times. They all do it. You try actually getting the copy off them and you will find a gang of young guys appearing and swearing at you. They are classed as self employed and claim benefits such as tax credits. One Saturday morning she had the Jervohas(sp) round her trying to convert her. Nearly wet myself.

A few alcoholics sometimes hang round the back of Boots asking for 20p.

The other week a South Irish middle aged man stopped me same place asking for money for the bus. He got a "No!"

Ticked

I suspect that those in real need don't beg, they just suffer. If they do approach the like of a food bank, they can be recognised by red faces and a look of shame. These are the folk who deserve a bit of help, not the thieves begging on the street. We all know someone who is living close to poverty, usually through no fault of their own, and they will benefit most from being slipped a few quid on the quiet.

Golden_Anemone

There's a young lad sits in a doorway on Bedford St near the Nationwide asking for change. He is spotless, in different clean, ironed clothes every day and owns a pair of Timberland boots, brand new Nike trainers and at least one other pair of new looking shoes. My office overlooks the street and the guy gets loads of "donations". We wonder where he tells his mum he is all day when he goes home for his dinner.

One day there was a young Romany woman begging on the opposite side of Bedford St and he shouted at everyone who gave her money that he was from NI so they should give to him instead. I honestly don't know which of the two has more brass neck.

emmett123

ah, great to see. some good old beggar bashing!!

move them on, not in my back yard, dirtying up all the beautiful shops, especially at Christmas, a religious festival of spending.

maybe some guys , maybe in uniform, could along and round up these dirty people and... oh, I dont know... put them in a camp. Oh and when we are it.. could the camp also take, the immigrants, eh... the gays?... maybe the Jews too?