Rough sleepers pitched up a tent outside the Wycombe District Council offices last night as Councillors debated the issue of homelessness inside.

Inside the meeting, Wycombe District Council was accused of making a ‘U-turn’ after denying controversial plans to fine people for sleeping on the streets.

Former Councillor Trevor Snaith said: “We have now seen a U-turn by the Leader as a result of public petitions, comments from community leaders, the Liberal Democrats’ planned demonstration ahead of full council and a planned sleep out on the same evening.”

Leader of the Council, Cllr Katrina Wood, replied that she was ‘disappointed that the good intentions of the Council’ had been misinterpreted.

She said: “I am really disappointed that the good intentions of the Council to make our district a better place to live, work and enjoy, has been misconstrued or misunderstood by some members of the community.

“Let me make it absolutely clear, this is not a U-turn. Whilst the example used in the Cabinet report cited the power to fine rough sleepers, we have no intention of fining people simply for sleeping rough.

“If those that choose to sleep rough partake in antisocial behaviour whilst doing so, we may use these powers to tackle the antisocial behaviour elements associated.”

Mr Snaith said that while he was glad that homeless people would not be fined, he wanted to know what the Council will do to tackle the problem.

He said: “I’m glad to hear you won’t actually be fining rough sleepers and you were misunderstood, but when you have cabinet members who think it is a fantastic idea, it doesn’t bode well with the public, charities, opposition parties and those in the community. What is the cabinet looking to do to fight poverty?”

Cllr Wood said: “Homelessness is a priority which is why I have reintroduced a full cabinet position for Housing” and encouraged Mr Snaith, as a community leader, to “spread the truth about WDC’s intentions now you know the definitive answer.”

Cllr Rafiq Raja, Leader of the Labour Group on the Council, said asked the Leader if she agreed that the question of fining rough sleepers was “a short sighted and poorly judged attempt to deal with the real problem of homelessness.”

Cllr Wood replied: “No I wouldn’t agree with your statement. The particular report was about giving delegated authority to enable fixed penalty notices to be issued as the first step towards introducing a public spaces protection order. What the decision we made in June definitely was not a decision to find rough sleepers.

“We are still looking at powers to tackle antisocial behaviour in our town centres but we haven’t agreed to any and these powers would apply to anyone, not just rough sleepers who may be behaving in an antisocial way.

“The fixed penalty notice report was about having a mechanism to use in designated areas, not about dealing with homeless people.”

Cllr Wood was again forced to defend the Council’s position after Cllr Raja said he was "grateful for restoration of common sense" and welcomed "this U-turn."

Cllr Wood said: “It is not a U-turn; it’s obviously a misrepresentation or a misunderstanding. Of course I support seeking the resolution to the issue of the homeless.”