The reality of Brighton’s begging problem has come into sharp focus during the pandemic. With all rough sleepers having been offered accommodation, food and support for nearly a year now, supported by £6.4 million in Government funding, many residents have been surprised to see regular begging continuing as usual across the city. This has led Andy Winter of Brighton Housing Trust to speak frankly to The Argus, describing begging as the “elephant in room” that needs to be looked at by our city council. He said begging has very little to do with homelessness and rough sleeping but everything to do with addictions.