A SWINDON campaigner who launched a petition on homelessness in the town centre has said he welcomes the response from councillors on all sides as a good starting point.

The petition criticised the council for their use of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), a legislative tool that the petitioners said was being unfairly used to discriminate against rough sleepers in the town centre.

Co-ordinated by the Swindon Trades Council and backed by the People’s Assembly among other groups, the petition was signed by more than 3,000 people before being handed to Swindon Borough Council to be debated.

Activist Ben Bell, who has been a leading voice on the issue in Swindon, told councillors: “We have been fighting the PSPO since its introduction, and despite being told that it wasn’t intended to criminalise homeless people, it has just done that.

“It has threatened their liberty, made it harder to access vital services and organisations and threatening their safety and wellbeing.

“Almost all of the rough sleepers we spoke to in Swindon reported changes since the introduction of the PSPO as well as threats of dispersal orders and injunctions.

“Some reported cruel and aggressive treatment by the police and all said they were being moved on by the authorities and having their possessions taken by council workers - that includes bedding and food.”

Ben’s passionate and powerfully delivered speech set the tone for what was to be a thoughtful debate by councillors.

Coun Bob Wright (Lab) said that it was essential that the council took seriously the possibility that unintended outcomes were arising from the PSPO powers, particularly where it was being used to tackling aggressive begging.

His colleague, Coun Chris Watts (Lab), cautioned about the potential for the introduction of such legislative powers to embolden those tasked with enforcing them in a way which, if not checked, could lead to the hostile manner of encounters that Ben alluded to.

Coun Stan Pajak (LD) called for a report into the effectiveness of the council’s strategy on homelessness to be put before councillors and Coun Nick Martin (Con) said reports that bedding was being taken from rough sleepers were particularly concerning and must be investigated.

Reflecting the cross-party consensus, Coun Oliver Donachie, the cabinet member whose portfolio covers homelessness, said: “This is about humanity. It isn’t about red or blue or yellow, it’s about people who are cold and hungry and we need to help them.

“I will work with Mr Bell, any member or anyone in the public gallery, who wants to work towards that common objective.”

Councillors from all parties unanimously voted in favour of a response to the petition that will see the comments of all who contributed to it, including the town’s rough sleepers, included in a review that is currently ongoing into how the PSPO is used.

The response also stated that the town centre PSPO should not adversely impact on rough sleepers.

It expressed concern at reports that Swindon’s homeless population was growing and it instructed the relevant cabinet member to work with homelessness support organisations to see what more can be done, both around homelessness and also the cycle of begging.