“WE aren’t a soft touch” is the message from Taunton Deane Borough Council as it draws up news plans to tackle aggressive beggars amid a rise in rough sleepers. 

The council’s scrutiny committee met on Monday night to discuss a new ‘streetwise’ initiative that aims to tackle issues with homelessness – which include inconsiderate rough sleepers who leave business owners unpleasant surprises in their doorways.

According to Heather Stewart, housing options manager for the council, a beggar can make around £85 a day and as much as £1,000 a week – but not all beggars are actually homeless.

Miss Stewart said: “It’s all about support, support, support. But Taunton isn’t a walk-over, you can’t just come here and start begging. We aren’t a soft touch.”

Ms Stewart said although it is clear the Taunton community, is generous, giving rough sleepers money could increase the problem.

Handing rough sleepers food is recommended by officials, although police highlighted at the meeting that one man, who was being arrested, said he did not need time to finish his pasty as he “had six already” and was not hungry.

Increased drug use in the town is having an effect with the council struggling to house rough sleepers in private-rented accommodation.

It was agreed by the committee that members would recommend to full council to adopt a partnership with Avon and Somerset Police, as well as continuing to work with charities such as Taunton Association for the Homeless and Open Door.

Part of the plan would see a part-time ‘street wise’ officer appointed to work with the council and the police.

The officer would investigate cases of homelessness, collect evidence and prepare statements for court proceedings for rough sleepers causing nuisance.