THE chief executive of Brighton Housing Trust, a leading charity which helps the homeless community in the city, has delivered a stark message to residents and visitors which needs to be heeded.

“Do not give money to beggars,” Andy Winter said. “It only exacerbates the problem.”

He is absolutely right and also points out that there is plenty of support in the city for those who are genuinely homeless.

No one from the homeless community will ever starve, he stressed, adding there is plenty of support to make sure there is enough food for everyone who finds themselves on the streets and in desperate need.

Those who are begging on the streets are doing it for one reason and one reason only, which is to buy either alcohol, drugs or indeed both.

Recent months have also seen a proliferation of “tent cities” being established on our streets which are dangerous for a variety of reasons, including the risk of fire or the inhabitants being subjected to violence or sexual assault.

Brighton and Hove is quite rightly seen as a caring, sharing city but aggressive begging has been increasing at an alarming rate.

The charities helping the homeless community, including Brighton Housing Trust, are doing a wonderful job to support those in need, not only providing food, beverages, a place to sleep and to shower, but also a support network to help overcome addictions.

However, Mr Winter draws a distinct line between the genuine homeless and those who indulge in begging to feed their addictions.

Those who give money to beggars are not helping, he says, they just make the problem worse.