In a major shift in homelessness policy, rough sleeping is set to be decriminalised across England and Wales following widespread calls for more compassionate and effective approaches to tackling homelessness. The move marks the end of a controversial era under the Vagrancy Act 1824, which has long been criticised for punishing rather than helping vulnerable individuals.
Under current legislation, people sleeping rough or begging in public places can be arrested, fined, or prosecuted, even when their actions stem directly from hardship or lack of shelter. Critics, including charities, MPs, and human rights groups, have argued that criminalising rough sleeping only deepens the cycle of homelessness, making it harder for individuals to access support, housing, and employment.
The government’s decision to scrap these outdated laws comes after years of pressure from advocacy organisations and a growing public consensus that homelessness should be treated as a social issue, not a criminal one. The change is being welcomed as a turning point in how society responds to the most visible form of housing insecurity.
Housing and homelessness charities have praised the announcement but stress that legal reform must be accompanied by meaningful investment in services. They argue that simply removing penalties is not enough, the root causes of homelessness, such as the housing crisis, mental health challenges, and addiction, need to be tackled with well-funded and coordinated support systems.
In place of criminal sanctions, the government plans to roll out new guidance to local authorities focused on prevention and early intervention. Councils will be encouraged to engage with people experiencing homelessness through outreach, support networks, and access to temporary and permanent accommodation, rather than through policing and prosecution.
Some local authorities have expressed concern about the financial and logistical challenges of implementing such a shift without increased resources. They caution that without adequate funding and housing supply, the new policy risks falling short of its intended goals.
Nevertheless, many believe this reform represents a long-overdue recognition of the dignity and humanity of rough sleepers. By removing legal barriers and stigma, the hope is that more individuals will be encouraged to seek help and rebuild their lives.
As the government moves forward with legislative changes, attention will turn to how effectively this new approach is implemented and whether it delivers real progress in the fight against homelessness in England and Wales.
