347 signatures

Manchester City Council is trying to implement a Public Space Protection Order, covering the city centre, which would criminalise many of the city's homeless people. These proposals risk punishing any homeless person seeking shelter from the elements or simply taking up space on the pavement.

If this goes ahead then it will create a hostile environment for anyone begging in the city centre. If a person were to breach the order, they would be liable for a fine of up to £100. What homeless person can afford that?

Fining and prosecuting Manchester’s most vulnerable people is like something from the Victorian era of the workhouse. It is only going to make the problem worse, not make things better.

However, together we have a chance to stop this injustice in its' tracks.

Across the country, several local authorities have tried to introduce similar policies and each time a petition and public pressure has stopped this from happening. With your support we can, together, stop Manchester City Council from criminalising people in poverty and find solutions to help people rather than vilifying and burdening them further.

This cruel PSPO proposal is still in consultation stages, so now is your chance to let the council know exactly what you think of it.

And don't forget to sign our petition below, and tell Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, to scrap his plans to criminalise homeless people.

Together we can stop this injustice.