The UK government has announced plans to abolish the Vagrancy Act of 1824, a Georgian-era law that criminalized rough sleeping and begging. The repeal, set to take effect by spring 2026, marks a historic shift in homelessness policy.
Ending Two Centuries of Criminalization
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner emphasized the significance of the decision, stating:
“We are drawing a line under nearly two centuries of injustice towards some of the most vulnerable in society. No one should ever be criminalized simply for sleeping rough, and by scrapping this cruel and outdated law, we are making sure that can never happen again.”
The Vagrancy Act, originally enacted in response to post-Napoleonic War homelessness, imposed fines of up to £1,000 and, in some cases, imprisonment for individuals found sleeping on the streets.
Legislative Delays and Reform Efforts
Although Parliament voted to repeal the act in April 2022, implementation was delayed until replacement legislation was introduced. During this period, 177 people were arrested under the law, according to the Single Homeless Project.
Minister for Homelessness Rushanara Ali reinforced the government’s commitment to addressing the root causes of homelessness, rather than penalizing those affected.
New Measures and Increased Funding
The government plans to introduce new offenses targeting organized begging and criminal trespassing, aimed at curbing exploitation by gangs. Additionally, funding for homelessness services will increase by £233 million this financial year.
Support from Advocacy Groups
Homelessness charities, including Crisis and St Mungo’s, have welcomed the repeal. St Mungo’s CEO Emma Haddad stated:
“The answer is not to criminalize people for living on the streets, but instead to focus on tackling the health, housing, and wider societal issues that are causing homelessness in the first place.”
Conclusion
The repeal of the Vagrancy Act represents a major policy shift, prioritizing support over punishment for vulnerable individuals. As the UK moves forward, efforts will focus on long-term solutions to prevent homelessness and enhance social welfare programs.
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