HOMELESS people are selling their food vouchers on the street, it has been claimed.

Tesco gift cards handed out to buy essential food amid the coronavirus crisis are allegedly being sold for less than half their value.

There are also reports homeless people have been selling TVs, DVDs and other items acquired for them by charities. The items were for temporary accommodation the homeless people have been moved into during the crisis.

Brighton and Hove City Council Conservative group deputy leader Mary Mears and Councillor Dawn Barnett say evidence is “mounting day by day” that Government funding is being mismanaged locally and failing to help homeless people.

Cllr Mears said: “It is increasingly becoming clear from community feedback every day that this programme is being mismanaged.

"The community has advised supermarket vouchers issued for the homeless and rough sleepers are being sold on the streets for cash at half face value or less.

The Argus:

“It is also very concerning to hear reports that some TVs, DVDs and other items bought by the charities or donated by the public to kit out this accommodation has also been sold on the street.

“Furthermore, we are seeing that begging is continuing outside supermarkets and banks where members of the public are having to queue to enter, with shoppers being approached at an unsafe proximity.”

Pictures produced by the Tory councillors show a £25 voucher reportedly sold for £10 in Brighton this week.

The Government asked councils last month to ensure all rough sleepers were given accommodation and food to protect them from coronavirus, making available emergency funding for councils to achieve this. Brighton and Hove City Council is being funded to provide for all rough sleepers in the city, estimated to be 186 people.

It is working with London-based charity St Mungo’s to implement the scheme.

But the councillors say local charities should be given the opportunity instead.

The Argus:

Cllr Dawn Barnett

Cllr Barnett said: “There are reports of £50 Tesco vouchers being sold for £20 and £20 vouchers being sold for £10.

"Local charities with local knowledge should have been contacted to implement this scheme, not London ones.

"It would be good if the council could work with local charities such as the Brighton Housing Trust that have extensive local knowledge.”

Councillor Gill Williams, chairwoman of housing, said: “We’re aware of reports of a few vouchers being misused and this, of course, is completely unacceptable.

"We are working to make sure we can supply food to everyone and stop the use of vouchers.

“We cannot confirm the rumours of donated electronic goods being sold. If people do see any goods being offered, please report it to the police.

“Our street outreach service St Mungo’s have by far the most extensive knowledge in this area. A small number of reported problems should not distract from an incredible response.”

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund