I went into City Hall to ensure a seat. It was actually quite busy and quite a few school groups were there at different stages coming and going.
A heated discussion was focused on the expanding of the Barclays Bank Bicycle scheme into the South West London area and who in fact was paying for the scheme. It seems that the Barclays money had run out and the local councils were having to foot the bill themselves even though the name of Barclays appeared on the bicycles. Many in the assembly were not happy about this.  

Boris was in good jovial form and managed very well to evade difficult questions.
Suddenly a group of people, who had been sitting directly opposite Boris's view displayed signs of 'Home not Jails' A member of staff / security approached  and asked them not to display the signs. This was ignored and the  group became vocal 'Why are you criminalizing the homeless?'
More security arrived and people were ushered out. One man was physically lifted and carried out.
'Whose streets? Our streets! was chanted. It was never the less peaceful and order was quickly restored and the meeting called to resume at 11.14

The question was now about Payday loans and Credit Unions when a person said loudly," Why don't you discuss the homeless crisis?"

We were leading up to the question concerning Homeless Veterans (question No.2014/0630) at 11.27 when again a few people began to chant "Homes not Jail!"
They were quickly removed from the chamber and went peacefully.
Boris did acknowledge that there was a homeless issue and that it  was not going to go away.He said it was complex, however the focus was to stop homeless people becoming entrenched in the life style that would then become difficult to leave, and become an established way of life.

Major Boris Johnson mentioned Help 4 Homeless Veterans which was set up specifically to help military veterans. He said that they had served their country and that we as a nation had a duty to care for them.He said the scheme was working very well and that 8/10 did not go back on the streets. He also mentioned 'No second night out' a support organization for rough sleepers.
He said that if members of the public wished to ask questions then they could attend the People's Question Time which will be held in Kingston, Surrey.

Richard Challoner School
Manor Drive North
Surrey
KT3 5PE
Wednesday, 26 March, 2014 - 19:00 to 21:00
 http://www.london.gov.uk/get-involved/events/peoples-question-time-kingston

Mayor Boris Johnson is concerned about the homeless plight, however an open public debate is needed as the implications of so called crimalising homless people for sleeping rough has far reaching implications and raises many concerns.

According to Crisis, rough sleeping in London has risen by 62% over two years and that more than 6,400 people slept on the streets of the capital at some point last year.It said the trend is due to the ongoing pressures resulting from the economic downturn and a chronic lack of affordable housing as well as cuts to housing benefits.
Outside City Hall a tent had been erected and some of the protesters were talking to some media and passersby. They vowed to continue and challenge any unjust legislation that would outlaw homeless people. All was peaceful without any intervention at 12 noon.

For more info:  beatonthestreet@gmail.com beat on the streets @ gmail .com

07585973462    


No Second Night Out
 http://www.nosecondnightout.org.uk/

Help 4 Homeless Veterans
 http://help4homelessveterans.org.uk/

Petition: 'Don't Stop us from Feeding the Homeless'
 https://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/waltham-forest-council-don-t-stop-us-feeding-the-homeless-2

Is this targeting the homeless or more aimed at anti-social behaviour?
Help is being offered to rough sleepers, however lines could be blurred between issues of mental health, being homeless, being a beggar or having dependancy issues. A public debate is needed that is inclusive of people likley to be affected by this policy.

 http://content.met.police.uk/News/The-MPS-and-six-London-boroughs-combat-begging-and-rough-sleeping/1400022279369/1257246745756