Should homeless individuals, that have refused available shelter or housing, be allowed to sleep or encamp on public property?

Depends if the landowners happy with it The homeless people may refuse the option of such accommodation due to the danger of violence and prevalence of drugs etc in such accommodation. Real change needs to be made for people who find themselves in this situation

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Depends on 1. the type of public property and 2. the conditions of the sheltered housing refused. I also agree that better social programmes should be put in place.

Depending on the reason for refusal, it’s it’s drug use, then provide free support and rehabilitation

No, if there it causes a significant interference to public life Yes, if there is no disturbance to public life

I don't think this should be encouraged but equally should not be criminalised. More shelters and better safety & support within them would encourage people to take up offers.

If they are offered support they should take it. If they choose to sleep on the streets because they don’t want support, leave them be.

I feel like if they are capable of taking a shelter or support they should if they are unable there should be a location in a field with tents fir them to stay

Should have some choice regards what available property they accept and should be delivered as part of a wider social care reform which monitors, mentors and rehabilitates the homeless person in their new setting.

No, but the punishment should be that they are removed and taken to a shelter before further prosecution

They need to be assessed as individuals to understand why they have made this decision. There is no one solution to a variety of causes.

Yes, and create more social programs to help them AND mental health services to help them get back into housing

The number of people who would actually decline housing is minimal. This a stupid right wing question

No, they should be given a safe place to sleep, whether in a shelter or an encampment created by the council. People have the right to choose, within reason.

Mo, but create more social programs to provide food, clothing, medicine, work experience and career advice.

Shouldn’t be criminal offence but housing should me be more accepting of people with pets and if still refused should not be allowed to encamp on public property

Yes but more should be spent on finding and preventing the root causes of homelessness like mental health issues.

No, we should put more money into converting abandoned building int safe "shared living' spaces that not only give them a bed, food and water but can help the homeless with advice on finding a property, work, drug and alcohol rehabilitation. They have so long in the programme to come through it and accept the help. If they refuse the programme then it should become a criminal offence with the a realistic option of prison.

Yes but if they choose to be homeless and unemployed then there should be limits on what resources are available to them for free

Yea but only for a short period where public officer should assist them and convince them to go to shelters

Homeless shelters need to be patrolled better to ensure the safety of the individuals. Often homeless individuals would rather take their chances on the streets than sleep in a homeless shelter

I would say no because they refused shelter, but why did they refuse the shelter? Was is too far from where they know, was it unfit for people to live etc.

If they refuse available shelter then it's not clearly not very good for whatever reason so increase funding

Designated areas should be provided for them to sleep in as an alternative. It should be illegal to sleep in other areas that impact other people negatively e.g. financially hindering their business.

Most homeless people would be happy to take shelter or refuge if where is offered is safe and non threatening.

I think that homeless people that have refused shelter should be offered optional shelter I.e. females only/Males only/Young persons only etc to protect people at risk or who have been exposed to physical or mental abuse.

No but spaces should be provided to allow those that are unable to sustain a housed environment to essentially seek shelter where they can access food medical and mental health support etc

This question is far too shallow to encompass the complexities with homelessness. it is not as simple as a person refusing shelter, there could be a lot more issues at hand such as mental and physical illness, fear or manipulation from others such a traffickers and drug dealers. in theory, if a person refuses shelter they should not be offered any further help and criminalised however this is not the reality of what is going on on our streets and in vulnerable communities, these people need more support, empathy and understanding. it is a deeper issue than this question portrays.

Yes, If they do not feel safe then the issue is not where they sleep but why they choose to not sleep in available accommodation.

There should be more charities/soup kitchens and hostels available to the homeless which offer shelter and allow them to get back on their feet. No, not on public property - can ruin the appearance of businesses and can be intimidating for people in some circumstances.