A COUNCIL is investigating measures to clampdown on beggars who are abusing the benefits system.

The problem is being addressed by Middlesbrough Council after a number of beggars operating in the town were discovered to have a roof over their head and not sleeping rough as they were claiming.

A report on street beggars was produced for the council’s community safety and leisure scrutiny at the end of last year in a bid to tackle the issue throughout 2017.

Eight out of the nine prolific street beggars that were included in the authority’s research had accommodation which entitled them to financial support, including housing benefit, which could under particular circumstances could entitle them to more than £2,000 a month.

However, the report also highlighted that all nine of the prolific offenders had a substance misuse issue, including heroin and alcohol addiction.

Amongst the conclusions the report reads: “Many continue to suffer from poor mental health and have often experienced abuse in childhood. The panel recognises that it is important to balance support and enforcement and where support has proved ineffective enforcement action is taken.

“Three Criminal Behaviour Orders are currently in place, which enable the multi-agency group to specify that they do not want a particular individual in a certain exclusion area.”

Previously, the council has used dispersal orders in the town centre to move beggars off the streets.

The report will be presented to members of the local authority in the coming weeks to help them formulate a plan of action to address the problem.