Begging is illegal under the Vagrancy Act 1824. Safer York Partnership do not advise residents and visitors to donate money to beggars as often it is used to buy drugs or alcohol.
We have established a text to give scheme with Two Ridings Community Foundation who will ensure all donations go to Changing Lives, Carecent and Salvation Army, therefore directly helping homeless people in York.  To donate text: YORK35 £3 (or desired amount) to 70070

Our anti-social behaviour unit regularly runs operations to tackle begging in York and works closely with accommodation providers and substance misuse services to provide direct support to those individuals in genuine need.