Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Labour Ends 200-Year-Old Vagrancy Act to Combat Homelessness

6/10/2025

39 3

Summary

Story summary

In a groundbreaking move, Labour Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has declared the end of the Vagrancy Act, a law that has criminalized rough sleeping for nearly 200 years. This pivotal change, part of the Crime and Policing Bill, seeks to tackle homelessness with empathy, prioritizing support for vulnerable individuals and addressing the underlying issues of organized begging.

1 of 1

Story summary

In a groundbreaking move, Labour Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has declared the end of the Vagrancy Act, a law that has criminalized rough sleeping for nearly 200 years. This pivotal change, part of the Crime and Policing Bill, seeks to tackle homelessness with empathy, prioritizing support for vulnerable individuals and addressing the underlying issues of organized begging.