Begging prosecutions increase dramatically across England and Wales

Number of cases rises 70%, prompting concerns that cuts in support and benefits make more people resort to begging

The number of charges for begging in Merseyside rose nearly 400% from 60 cases to 291 in 12 months. 

Prosecutions for begging have rocketed across England and Wales over the past year with dramatic increases recorded in many police force areas.

The number of cases brought to court under the 1824 Vagrancy Act has surged by 70%, prompting concerns that cuts to support services and benefits are pushing more people to resort to begging...

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