PEOPLE begging in the town centre posing as rough sleepers and claiming to be homeless will be moved on, councillors have been told.
The warning was made by Michelle Kaye, service manager for housing and welfare, at a council scrutiny meeting where the problem of homelessness in Barnsley was discussed.
Ms Kaye was speaking about the work the service does with rough sleepers and how a rise in people sleeping on the streets, particularly those aged 16 to 21, has led to it taking on a dedicated officer who visits rough sleepers reported to the council.
She told councillors: “The difficulty we have is if they do not want to engage. Their lifestyle choices can make it difficult for us.
“A number of rough sleepers are not homeless. They are begging and not homeless and have got accommodation.
“We’re working with the police on that and other partners.”
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