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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Politics
Amelia Hill

‘Busybody’ fines up 42% in 2023 in England and Wales, report shows

England Wales Defra Harrow Hillingdon Redbridge
A person begging in the middle of a wide pavement as people walk past
Powers handed to local councils permit them to fine people for offences such as begging or loitering. Photograph: Avalon/Universal Images Group/Getty Images

On-the-spot penalties issued for offences including swearing, shouting, idling, loitering and begging, known as “busybody” fines, jumped 42% in 2023, according to a report.

The majority of the 19,162 penalties in England and Wales – up from the previous record high of 13,433 in 2022 – were issued by private enforcement companies contracted by councils, the research found.

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