Public Space Protection orders that were introduced in 2014 give councils the ability to fine homeless people, rough-sleepers and beggars up to £100.
Metro recently launched a Freedom of Information request and revealed that more than a dozen of these fines have been used to threaten beggars, whilst at least four have been used to fine rough-sleepers.
Council authorities claim that the orders were introduced to council anti-social behaviour, but these controversial fines have lead to charities speaking out, claiming this only adds to the homeless crisis.
Chief Executive of Homeless Link, Rick Henderson has stated that these fines are concerning given an alarming rise of 51% in rough-sleepers throughout England.