Agenda item

The Commissioner of the City of London Police to be heard.

Members received an update of the City of London Police, and the following points were made:

·       Operation Luscombe was in place to deal with the issue of begging on the streets. From the period of 21 December 2022, 28 notices were issued inviting individuals to attend the hub. The hub included City of London Police, the Rough Sleeping Team, charities, and drug and alcohol referral services. The notices were issued by a colour scheme which allowed a log to be kept of individuals on the system. The colour schemed ranged from Green - an invitation to the hub, to Red - stopping them from entering The City or a specified area within the City for a three-month period. A survey was being developed to give to individuals using the hub to provide better and more engaging services.

·       An update on Streetlink, as well as a partnership with Liverpool Street Station to advertise Street Link on their digital advertising board, would be given at the next meeting.  

In response to a question from the Chair, Members were informed that begging trends remained level with key hotspots remaining under patrol.  

A query was raised about other services offered by the Luscombe hub and uptake levels. It was noted that the hub met every two weeks, and an update and data will be provided by the next meeting.  

Another query was raised concerning the motivation from begging. An Officer advised that anecdotally, the money individuals raised from begging was usually to purchase drugs and alcohol. Although some begged for basic sustenance, this was in a minority of cases. The Service provided a route off the street into accommodation where assessments of individual’s needs could take place and they could be assisted. A Member asked whether data could be gathered and published, and an Officer advised they would look into this.

The Chair commented that as people generally carried less cash than previously, more people were now giving beggars food and drinks rather than money.

The Chair encouraged Members to attend the hub and thanked the vicar of the church for making the space available.

RESOLVED - that the update be noted.