COLCHESTER city centre leaders said people sleeping rough in the city "have no choice" after former Home Secretary Suella Braverman sparked backlash when she said it was a "lifestyle choice".
Ms Braverman was sacked this week after a number of comment she made about pro-Palestinian protests and the homeless sparked anger.
The former Cabinet member caused a stir after claiming rough sleeping is sometimes a “lifestyle choice” after sharing an article from the Financial Times reporting about how she pushed for restrictions on the use of tents in urban environments.
Braverman has since been sacked and replaced with then-Foreign Secretary and Braintree MP James Cleverly, who is yet to comment on the topic of homelessness.
Colchester’s BID has hit back at the claims, arguing some have no choice.
A spokesman said: “Whilst there are only occasional signs of homeless people sleeping in tents in the city centre, there are certainly those that have no choice but to regularly sleep rough in tents on the outskirts of the city.”
The group also stressed to anyone needing help, to seek it through its own charity scheme Tap2Change, launched earlier this year.
Beacon House Ministries is the current beneficiary of the scheme, which allows passers-by to donate £2 at contactless terminals located around the city centre.
All donations go to Beacon House Ministries which supports those facing homelessness and in insecure housing in Colchester.
Vincent Geaves, from Colchester BID’s Tap2Change, said: “Homelessness is a multifaceted issue that demands a compassionate and evidence-based approach.
“We recognise the importance of addressing the root causes, providing access to affordable housing, and offering support for those struggling with addiction and mental health problems.
“Our Tap2Change scheme offers direct support to those who need it most and this is particularly relevant at the time of year, when temperatures start to plummet.
“Tap2Change offers those sleeping in tents the option of the wraparound support at Beacon House Ministries”.
Steve Brown, CEO of Beacon House Ministries (Image: Colchester BID) (Image: Public)
Steve Brown, CEO of Beacon House Ministries, added “Our day centre in Colchester provides a welcoming and non-judgemental environment which encourages a sense of belonging for people who are currently excluded from the wider community.
"Some of our guests do rely on tents as temporary accommodation – restricting their use will simply ostracise these vulnerable members of society even further."
In Colchester, fears have already been felt over the possible collapse of homelessness services.
Colchester City Council leader David King joined more than 150 other council leaders urging the Government to intervene to prevent any collapse.
The signature given by Mr King was in an open letter to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt following fears for the future of services in Colchester, which are expected to cost nearly £1million this year.
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