In 2016 Newcastle City Council proposed a new ‘Public Space Protection Order’ that would give police power to fine people seen begging or sleeping rough in the city centre. The proposed PSPO (which covered a range of other anti-social behaviours like drinking and drug taking) led to a debate around whether rough sleeping and begging should be seen as anti-social offences or acts of need. A protest march against the PSPO was organised by the local Green Party.
After a long public consultation the council opted to change the PSPO and drop the reference to rough sleeping. It still covers begging in the city centre.