Scheme hopes to dissuade public from giving street beggars cash

Beggars in Glasgow are to benefit from contactless giving and online donations.

Glasgow City Council has worked with the Simon Community, Glasgow Homelessness Network and The Big Issue to develop the scheme.

Contactless donation points will be set up in the busiest shopping streets to discourage beggars asking for cash directly.

Third sector organisations will help identify people on the streets who need immediate help with items such as clothes and also more long-term assistance with attending job interviews or training for work.

Glasgow has already created a begging strategy group in a bid to help those on the streets.

Allan Casey, chairman of the strategy group, said: "Glasgow is a generous city and people care deeply about those who are vulnerable and marginalised.

"They regularly give their spare change to people who are begging. This may help in the short-term, but may not bring about positive, long-term change in that person's life.

"The new alternative giving scheme will offer the public a new way to help, which aims to deliver long-term change for individuals - giving them personalised practical support to improve their lives by pursuing positive paths."

Critics however say the moves is motivated purely by a need to appease the city’s business owners who say beggars harass and discourage shoppers.

Last year Susan Aitken, Glasgow council leader, revealed plans for antisocial behaviour orders named Crasbos to be given out to persistent beggars after business leaders put pressure on the authority to act.