Rough sleeping finally decriminalised after 200 years

The Vagrancy Act – which has made being homeless on the streets a criminal offence since 1824 – has been repealed after years of campaigning from Big Issue and other homelessness organisations

The repeal of the Vagrancy Act is widely regarded as a watershed moment in UK social policy, marking a move towards a more humane and supportive approach to homelessness. It reflects modern understanding that homelessness is a social issue requiring intervention and support rather than criminalisation (crisis.org.uk+1.)

Homelessness organisations and government officials have hailed the change as a step toward dignity, safety, and long-term solutions for people experiencing homelessness .