London Councils has delayed deciding whether to back a Westminster Council bid to ban soup runs in the capital in forthcoming legislation.
The umbrella body for London's boroughs was due to decide today whether to include the measure, which would prevent charities from handing out free food and drink to homeless people in the capital, in a London Local Authorities Bill.
Though the bill is due to be presented to parliament on 27 November and agreement was reached on all other proposed measures, the capital's council leaders decided they needed a further meeting on the proposed ban. This is expected to take place within the next week.
Earlier, Mayor of London Ken Livingstone condemned the idea. He told the London Councils meeting: “Westminster’s attempt to criminalise the activities of soup kitchens is wrong and should be abandoned. We need to support the homeless and those in most need of our help, not make it illegal.”
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