Removal of camp at St Paul’s has begun

27 February 2012

Today (27 February) the City of London Corporation has begun to enforce the High Court orders for the removal of the tents and equipment outside St Paul’s. We regret that it has come to this but the High Court Judgment speaks for itself and the Court of Appeal has confirmed that Judgment.

High Court enforcement officers employed by the City of London Corporation are undertaking the removal with the Police present to ensure public safety and maintain order. We would ask protesters to move on peaceably.

The City of London Corporation is ensuring vulnerable people are being helped and supported to find appropriate accommodation in partnership with Broadway, a charity for the homeless. See notes below for more information.

The High Court found in favour of the City of London Corporation in the case against the camp at St Paul’s on 18 January 2012. The High Court found that the City of London Corporation ‘behaved both responsibly and fairly throughout.’

Notes  to Editors

Press enquiries

Press Office, City of London Corporation
T 020 7332 1906

Caring for vulnerable people:
The City of London Corporation has a commitment to reduce rough sleeping to zero by the end of 2012. Currently the City of London Corporation has commissioned Broadway to provide outreach services to rough sleepers in the City. People who have been identified as vulnerable by the St Paul’s camp have already been offered access to help and support from the City of London Corporation. Prior to today’s removal, Broadway staff have been available to meet with vulnerable people and assess their needs.

Today we have set up an assessment/referral centre at the site to assist vulnerable people. The City of London Corporation will have six staff from social care and housing services plus eight from the homeless charity Broadway at the site.

For vulnerable people in priority need, The City of London Corporation and Broadway will undertake individual assessments at the assessment/referral centre and offer them support to find appropriate accommodation.

For any people with mental health issues, a qualified social worker is also in attendance to make individual assessments. For others at the camp who are seeking accommodation, they will be offered initial housing advice at the entrance to the assessment/referral centre and directed to the most appropriate location where their housing needs can be can be assessed .

About the City of London Corporation:
The City of London Corporation is a uniquely diverse organisation. It supports and promotes the City as the world leader in international finance and business services and provides local services and policing for those working in, living in and visiting the Square Mile. It also provides valued services to London and the nation. These include the Barbican Centre and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama; the Guildhall Library and Art Gallery and London Metropolitan Archive; a range of education provision (including three City Academies); five Thames bridges (including Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge); the Central Criminal Court at Old Bailey; over 10,000 acres of open spaces (including Hampstead Heath and Epping Forest), and three wholesale food markets. It is also London’s Port Health Authority and runs the Animal Reception Centre at Heathrow. It works in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on the regeneration of surrounding areas and the City Bridge Trust, which it oversees, donates more than £15m to charity annually.​