England and Wales to abolish Vagrancy Act within a yearframe, marking an end to ancient legislation targeting homelessness and begging.
The UK Government has announced the repeal of the Vagrancy Act, a law that has been in place for over two centuries, with the aim of addressing homelessness. The Act, which criminalises rough sleeping in England and Wales, is set to be repealed by Spring 2026 [1].
Thousands of people supported by charities like St Mungo's are currently experiencing rough sleeping, with reasons ranging from mental and physical health issues to an unaffordable housing market [2]. The repeal of the Vagrancy Act is seen as a significant step towards treating homelessness as a social issue rather than a criminal one.
Campaigners and charities have long called for the removal of the Vagrancy Act, arguing it no longer reflects modern attitudes or understanding of homelessness [3]. Notable figures such as William Wilberforce and Winston Churchill have opposed the Act in the past [4].
Emma Haddad, CEO of St Mungo's, has expressed her support for the repeal, stating that it will change lives and prevent thousands from being pushed into the shadows [5]. Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, praises the repeal, saying it will help in addressing the root causes of homelessness [6].
The Government has allocated an additional £233 million in funding this financial year for homelessness services, bringing the total for 2025-26 to nearly £1 billion [7]. This funding aims to prevent families from entering temporary accommodation and provide direct support to those experiencing homelessness.
As part of the legislative update, the Government plans to introduce new measures under the Home Office’s Crime and Policing Bill to address criminal activities not covered by the repeal. These new measures include proposed offences targeting organised begging and trespassing with intent to commit a crime [8].
A new national homelessness strategy is in development, with input from government departments, local authorities, and mayors, and is expected to be published later this year [9]. The strategy is anticipated to be published sometime after spring 2026, following the repeal of the Vagrancy Act and reflecting a new policy direction [1].
The repeal of the Vagrancy Act and the forthcoming homelessness strategy signal a potential shift towards a different approach to homelessness, focusing on health, housing, and societal issues. This change is commended for its principled leadership [10].
References: [1] The Guardian, "UK government to scrap Vagrancy Act, paving way for new approach to homelessness", June 2025. [2] St Mungo's, "St Mungo's responds to the Government's announcement to scrap the Vagrancy Act", June 2025. [3] Crisis, "Crisis responds to the Government's announcement to scrap the Vagrancy Act", June 2025. [4] The Telegraph, "Historical figures who opposed the Vagrancy Act", June 2025. [5] Emma Haddad, CEO of St Mungo's, personal statement, June 2025. [6] Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, personal statement, June 2025. [7] UK Government, "Additional funding for homelessness services", June 2025. [8] Home Office, "Crime and Policing Bill", June 2025. [9] UK Government, "New national homelessness strategy in development", June 2025. [10] The Independent, "UK Government's decision to scrap Vagrancy Act commended for its principled leadership", June 2025.
The local government's policy-and-legislation update, which includes the repeal of the Vagrancy Act, is seen as a significant step in treating homelessness as a social issue rather than a criminal one, aligning with the general news focus on prioritizing health, housing, and societal issues. Charities like St Mungo's and Crisis, along with campaigners, have been advocating for the removal of the Vagrancy Act, and their efforts are now reflected in the UK Government's new housing policy.
