Brussels City Council has approved measures that it is hoped will curb begging on the capital’s streets. The measures include a ban on people begging with children aged younger than 16 in the city centre and on the Louizaplein and the Louizalaan. Those caught breaching the ban could face fines of up to 500 euro.
The new rules also prohibit “aggressive, intrusive or intimidating” begging across the entire city. The new rules will be in force for a two-year trial period, after which the policy will be reviewed.
The city authorities say that prevention is an important plank of the new approach. Police must inform anyone found begging with a minor about the ban and the social support services that are available. In Belgium education is compulsory for children aged 5 to 18. and available social support services. This includes access to free childcare for young children and enrolment in local schools.
Rules on begging that were passed by the city council in 2022 were struck down by the Council of State for being disproportionate. The new rules take into account the Council of State’s concerns.
Opposition parties on the city council voted against the measures. They argue that the rules place too much emphasis on security and leave room for interpretation of what counts as “aggressive” behaviour. Some also say fines will not solve the root causes of poverty and may simply push the problem into other areas.
The Mayor of Philippe Close (Francophone socialist) defends the measure, adding that complies with legal requirements and balances public order with individual rights.