Welfare Reform on the Web (August 2005): Homelessness - UK

Pursuing social justice or social cohesion?: coercion in street homelessness policies in England

S. Fitzpatrick and A. Jones

Journal of Social Policy, vol.34, 2005, p.389-406

The New Labour government has been successful in reducing rough sleeping through increased hostel provision and assertive outreach. However, it is now turning to coercive measures to clear the remaining hard core of rough sleepers off the streets under its anti-social behaviour reduction programme. It justifies use of coercion on the grounds that rough sleepers and street beggars impact adversely on local businesses and community safety, and also argues that forcing them into hostels is for their own good.