End of an Era: Rough Sleeping to be Decriminalised in England and Wales
For two centuries, the simple act of sleeping rough has been a criminal offence in England and Wales under the Vagrancy Act of 1824. But that’s about to change. According to a government announcement made public on June 10th, 2025, the long-criticised Act will finally be repealed, effectively decriminalising rough sleeping.
What does this mean?
For anyone experiencing homelessness, this is a significant victory. Currently, under the Vagrancy Act, individuals found sleeping rough can face arrest, fines, or even short prison sentences. Repealing the Act means that police will no longer be able to use these outdated laws to criminalise individuals simply for lacking a place to live.
Instead of facing prosecution, people who are sleeping rough will be able to access support from local authorities and outreach services without the fear of being criminalized for their situation. This shift in approach aims to treat homelessness as a social issue requiring support and solutions, rather than a criminal one deserving punishment.
Why now, after 200 years?
The decision to repeal the Vagrancy Act has been a long time coming, fuelled by years of campaigning from charities, advocacy groups, and human rights organisations. Critics have long argued that the Act is outdated, inhumane, and ultimately ineffective in tackling homelessness.
Here are some of the key reasons behind the repeal:
- Criminalisation is not the answer: Research consistently shows that punishing people for being homeless doesn’t solve the problem. It often makes it worse, creating barriers to accessing services and finding stable housing.
- Focus on support, not punishment: The focus is shifting towards providing people with the support they need to escape homelessness, including access to housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities.
- Ethical and Human Rights Concerns: Punishing someone for being homeless is seen by many as a violation of basic human rights and dignity.
- Modern Alternatives: The Act is from a time before modern services and support networks existed. Today, there are more effective ways to help people experiencing homelessness.
What happens next?
While the announcement has been made, the repeal of the Vagrancy Act requires parliamentary approval. The government has stated its commitment to expediting this process, ensuring that legislation is brought forward to formally abolish the law.
What other measures are being taken to address homelessness?
The government has also stated that this repeal is part of a broader strategy to tackle homelessness, which includes:
- Investing in affordable housing: Increasing the supply of affordable homes is crucial to preventing and addressing homelessness.
- Providing targeted support: Ensuring that individuals experiencing homelessness have access to the specific support they need, such as mental health services, drug and alcohol treatment, and employment training.
- Early intervention: Working to identify and support individuals at risk of becoming homeless before they reach crisis point.
- Collaboration between agencies: Promoting collaboration between local authorities, charities, and other organisations to deliver a coordinated response to homelessness.
The Importance of Continued Effort
While the repeal of the Vagrancy Act is a significant step forward, it’s important to remember that it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Ending homelessness requires a sustained and multifaceted approach, with ongoing investment in affordable housing, support services, and preventative measures.
In conclusion, the decriminalisation of rough sleeping represents a fundamental shift in how England and Wales approach homelessness. By abolishing this outdated law, the government is sending a clear message that homelessness is a social issue that requires compassion, support, and long-term solutions, not punishment. The success of this transition depends on ensuring that adequate resources and support are in place to help people rebuild their lives and find a safe and stable place to call home.
Rough sleeping to be decriminalised after 200 years
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The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-06-10 15:27, ‘Rough sleeping to be decriminalised after 200 years’ was published according to UK News and communications. Please write a detailed article with related infor mation in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.
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