Breaking Chains: England and Wales to Decriminalise Rough Sleeping

The historic move to decriminalise rough sleeping in England and Wales is gained traction as the government plans to scrap the Vagrancy Act of 1824, a law widely regarded as cruel and outdated by many advocates and officials alike. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who also serves as the housing secretary, expressed that the government is taking a definitive step to correct nearly 200 years of injustice towards society’s most vulnerable individuals.

The proposed changes come in the wake of a notable decline in prosecutions under the Vagrancy Act, which recorded only 79 prosecutions and 59 convictions in 2023, significantly down from peaks in 2011. Although the act aimed to address rising homelessness, the Labour government sees the necessity to repeal it while implementing new legislation that focuses instead on tackling organised begging and trespassing tied to criminal activities.

Matt Downie, CEO of the Crisis charity, hailed the government’s decision as a landmark moment that promises to transform lives and provide a more compassionate approach towards those living on the streets. The Labour government is committed to introducing targeted measures that fall under the Crime and Policing Bill, aiming to equip police with the necessary tools to maintain community safety, while also offering support to those experiencing homelessness. This revolutionary step signals a move away from criminalisation and towards supportive solutions, hoping to guide individuals back to stability and recovery.