The government is scrapping the controversial Vagrancy Act today (29), ending nearly 200 years of laws that have effectively criminalised rough sleeping and begging.
First introduced in 1824, the Act has long been criticised for punishing people simply for not having a home — pushing vulnerable people away from support and leaving them at risk of fines or a criminal record.
Ministers say ditching the law marks a major shift away from punishment and towards prevention, support and long-term solutions to homelessness.
It comes as part of the government’s £3.6bn National Plan to End Homelessness, which aims to halve long-term rough sleeping and stop families being housed in B&Bs by the end of this Parliament.
There are also plans for a £39bn boost to social and affordable housing over the next decade, with building already on the rise.
The public is being urged to use the Streetlink alert system to report rough sleepers who may need help, especially after the recent spell of extreme heat.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed said: “Homeless people are not criminals — they are people who need help. By scrapping this outdated law, we’re moving from punishment to prevention.”
Homelessness minister Alison McGovern added the repeal reflects a “modern understanding” of homelessness and will help people rebuild their lives.
The Vagrancy Act, originally brought in after the Napoleonic Wars, has rarely been used in recent years but has still allowed authorities to move rough sleepers on rather than tackle the root causes.
Charities have welcomed the move, calling it a “landmark” moment — but stress more needs to be done to ensure people are supported off the streets for good.
