Getting by

An exploration of the links between begging and rough sleeping in Glasgow and Edinburgh, assessing the emergence of "The Big Issue" street magazine on this relationship. The report looks at: why people beg; how people experience begging; in what circumstances people would stop begging; whether begging is closely associated with rough sleeping and/or other forms of homelessness; and whether "The Big Issue" provides its vendors with a real alternative to begging. The work argues that the multiple problems experienced by those living on the streets need to be recognized and advocates an holistic approach to the provision of services. The report highlights the importance of policies aimed at preventing the need for people to resort to begging. It provides a range of recommendations on appropriate services including social work, health, housing and drugs and alcohol; and on government policies on social exclusion, employment and the benefits system, the police and the criminal justice system. The work is based on interviews with rough sleepers, "Big Issue" vendors, people who beg and agency workers in Glasgow and Edinburgh.