The UK government has announced plans to repeal the Vagrancy Act, a piece of legislation that has been in place for nearly two centuries and has been used to criminalise rough sleeping and begging. The Act, which was introduced in 1824, has been found to punish people simply for not having a home, pushing vulnerable individuals away from support and increasing the risk of fines or criminal records.
As part of the government's efforts to tackle homelessness, the Vagrancy Act will be repealed, marking a significant shift in approach. The move is part of the National Plan to End Homelessness, which aims to halve long-term rough sleeping and end the unlawful use of Bed and Breakfasts for families by the end of the Parliament.
The plan is backed by £3.6 billion in funding over the next three years, which will be used to provide support and prevention services to those at risk of homelessness. The government is also investing £39 billion in social and affordable housing over the next ten years, providing the homes people need.
Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern said: 'Repealing the Vagrancy Act is a long-overdue step that reflects a modern understanding of homelessness. We are turning our backs on a centuries-old approach and instead focusing our attention on what works through providing support, preventing homelessness, and helping people rebuild their lives.'
The National Plan to End Homelessness also includes a £159 million grant for supported housing, which will help over 2,500 people across England off the streets and into more stable housing. The plan also sets clear targets for halving the number of people who become homeless on their first night out of prison and ensuring that no eligible person is discharged to the street after a hospital stay.