CONCERNS about an apparent increase in the number of people sleeping rough on the streets of Taunton are being addressed by Taunton Deane Borough Council and its partners.

Council leader Cllr John Williams said he was acutely aware of the issue and that officers are working hard to find solutions wherever possible.

He added: “Incidents of rough sleeping can often be complex to resolve.

"However, we continue to work closely with people sleeping rough in our area with a view to securing them emergency accommodation in the first instance, followed by a planned move into more settled accommodation where they are eligible and meet statutory criteria, such as having a local connection that can be proved.

“Unfortunately, not all rough sleepers engage with support services on offer or the help being offered leaving the authority with little we can do if they are on private property.

“Where there are also reports of incidents of anti-social behaviour involving rough sleepers we continue to work with the police and our legal advisors on preventing/putting a stop to such incidents.

“But it’s important to remember that the issue of rough sleeping is not confined to Taunton Deane, Somerset or even the South West. This is a national issue.”

The borough council funds a rough sleeping co-ordinator who works with those living on the streets and with organisations such as Taunton Association for the Homeless, Open Door and other voluntary organisations who help to provide services for homeless people.

This partnership approach is essential as so many rough sleepers have complex needs, perhaps involving mental health, alcohol or drug abuse.

Mr Williams added: “If someone is sleeping rough on council land and refuses to co-operate with the authority, the council would take legal action to move them on.

"But, I reiterate, in the case of those sleeping on private land – shop doorways for example – it’s up to the landowner to take action. The council has no power to do so.

“Everything possible is done to encourage homeless individuals to accept support and to move to suitable accommodation.

“We are in regular contact with the police and other partners to consider what powers can be used to deal with anti-social behaviour when this occurs.

"It is important to point out that in many cases, rough sleepers do not behave in an anti-social way, but we do recognise that some individuals do and the concern this causes to shoppers and the community.”

There is a Public Space Protection Order in place in Taunton that prohibits street drinking and activities such as the use of psychoactive substances – the now outlawed ‘legal highs’.

The council works with the police to identify offenders, warn them about their behaviour and take action against them where they become a persistent problem.

There is also a CCTV system owned and run by the council.

Where any criminal activities are identified or behaviour that is a public nuisance, this is immediately reported to the police and the offenders can be monitored in real time where they are causing a problem and/or committing offences either against the Public Space Protection Order or the wider laws of the land.

Mr Williams said: “The laws and powers open to the council and police for addressing rough sleeping and anti-social behaviour are in practice fairly limited and often difficult to apply.

"However, please be assured, we do recognise the concerns of the community both in terms of ensuring the welfare of these people and those that are concerned about the image of the town.

“We are committed to continuing to explore other means of addressing this and are working with partners to identify how other areas manage this and whether there are further options open to us.”