Vagrancy Act repeal ends criminalisation of rough sleeping

The Vagrancy Act has been repealed in England and Wales, ending nearly two centuries of legislation that criminalised rough sleeping and begging. The change took effect on 29 June 2026 after years of campaigning by homelessness charities, people with lived experience and other supporters.

The 1824 law could punish people for having nowhere to live, leaving them with fines or criminal records and pushing them away from services. Repeal shifts the response towards prevention, housing and support.

The government linked the change to its £3.6 billion National Plan to End Homelessness. It says £159 million for supported housing is helping more than 2,500 people leave or avoid the streets. Existing powers can still address harassment, and new offences target organised begging linked to exploitation.

The repeal removes an injustice, but it does not itself provide anyone with a home. Its success depends on sufficient housing, outreach, mental-health help and prevention services. Charities therefore see it as a vital change in approach rather than the end of rough sleeping.