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'Nearly two centuries of injustice' set to end amid plans to scrap 'archaic' law
'Nearly two centuries of injustice' set to end amid plans to scrap 'archaic' law
Campaigners are hoping the plans reflect a shift towards tackling the root of the problem
People walking past man affected by homelessness in London, England.
(Image: 2023 Anadolu Agency - Getty )
The UK Government has announced plans to abolish the 200-year-old Vagrancy Act, which makes it a criminal offence to sleep rough or beg in Wales and England.
The change comes into effect next year, with new laws focused on tackling organised begging by gangs. Many people have welcomed the move, seeing it as a sign the Government is finally focusing on the root causes of homelessness.
New laws will target organised crime linked to begging and trespassing, ensuring that communities are protected without criminalising rough sleepers. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Crisis Cymru are one of a number of charities who have shared their thoughts after the announcement, writing on X: 'We're delighted to see the UK Government finally scrap the archaic Vagrancy Act in Wales and England!
'No-one should be punished for sleeping rough - everyone facing or experiencing homelessness should be able to get the support they need.'
Salvation Army Director of Homelessness Services Nick Redmore also said: 'We strongly welcome the Government's pledge to finally scrap the archaic and unfair Vagrancy Act - a law we've long campaigned to end.
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'Rough sleeping is not a choice, but the result of a life in crisis and past trauma. People experiencing homelessness can be vulnerable and need protection and advocacy, not punishment and this move is a vital step towards compassion and change.'
He continued: 'However, we are pleased with plans for legislation that will aim to disrupt organised begging by criminal gangs, but it must be remembered that the vulnerable people who are forced into this cruel trade need to be protected. This is a form of modern slavery.
'Through our work delivering specialist support for survivors under a government contract, we regularly encounter people who have been exploited in this way. By identifying those affected, we can help them begin their recovery and access the life-changing support The Salvation Army provides.'
The Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner also said: 'We are drawing a line under nearly two centuries of injustice towards some of the most vulnerable in society, who deserve dignity and support.
'No one should ever be criminalised simply for sleeping rough and by scrapping this cruel and outdated law, we are making sure that can never happen again.'
The Minister for Homelessness Rushanara Ali added: 'Today marks a historic shift in how we're responding to the rough sleeping crisis, by repealing an archaic Act that is neither just nor fit for purpose.
'Scrapping the Vagrancy Act for good is another step forward in our mission to tackle homelessness in all its forms, by focusing our efforts on its root causes.
'Government amendments to the Home Office's Crime and Policing Bill will focus on real crime and not rough sleeping, with no replacement of previous legislation that criminalised people for simply sleeping rough.
'New targeted measures will ensure police have the powers they need to keep communities safe – filling the gap left over by removing previous powers.
'This will include a new offence of facilitating begging for gain and an offence of trespassing with the intention of committing a crime, both of which were previously included under the 1824 Act.
'Organised begging, which is often facilitated by criminal gangs, exploits vulnerable individuals, and can undermine the public's sense of safety. This offence makes it unlawful for anyone to organise others to beg, like driving people to places for them to beg. It will allow the police to crack down on the organised crime gangs that exploit vulnerable people to obtain cash for illicit activity.
'Through our Plan for Change and commitment to the Safe Streets Mission, this announcement demonstrates we are taking decisive action to ensure communities are protected and our town centres are no longer exposed to such harm.'
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