Andy Burnham says “it’s better” not to give money to beggars

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham. Image courtesy of BBC Radio Manchester

Andy Burnham has said “it’s better” not to give money to beggars but instead, to donate to charities which support homeless people in Greater Manchester.

The mayor said “your money does more” if it is donated to these organisations.

It comes after GMP’s top cop in the city centre said that giving money to ‘professional beggars’ makes it harder for the police to help the homeless.

It followed coverage reporting on a rise in people begging at traffic lights, particularly on the city centre inner ring road.

Superintendent Ian Jones asked the public to donate to homelessness charities instead of giving beggars money at a press conference last week.

Asked whether he agrees with this advice from the police on BBC Radio Manchester, Mr Burnham said “it’s right”.

He said: “People will sometimes make a judgement depending on the person in front of them.

“We’re just saying it’s better to give money to the organisations because then we know help gets to people who really need it."

Mr Burnham encouraged listeners to donate to the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity which helps fund rough sleeper scheme A Bed Every Night or Real Change MCR, which gives grants directly to people who are homeless.

Earlier last week, the mayor said that there would be a bed for anyone who needs it this winter thanks to A Bed Every Night being expanded further.

An additional 90 places will be added to the scheme ahead of this winter.

He said: “We’re really on this again this year.

"It’s never the case that we’re going to neglect people.

"There’s going to be somewhere for everybody.”

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