Andy Burnham has said "it's better" not to give money to beggars but instead, to donate to charities which support homeless people in Greater Manchester. The mayor said "your money does more" if it is donated to these organisations.
It comes after GMP's top cop in the city centre said that giving money to 'professional beggars' makes it harder for the police to help the homeless. It followed coverage by the Manchester Evening News reporting on a rise in people begging at traffic lights, particularly on the city centre inner ring road.
Superintendent Ian Jones asked the public to donate to homelessness charities instead of giving beggars money at a press conference this week. Asked whether he agrees with this advice from the police on BBC Radio Manchester this morning (November 24), Mr Burnham said "it's right".
