Vagrancy (Repeal) Bill

Repeal the Vagrancy Act 1824

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Layla MoranLiberal Democrat

Parliament last updated

19 September 2019

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

This bill would repeal the Vagrancy Act 1824, removing the historic criminal offence of vagrancy from UK law. It is currently being considered in the House of Commons and is at the second reading stage; the measure originated in the Commons and is sponsored by Layla Moran.

Key Points

Repeals the Vagrancy Act 1824, abolishing the offence of vagrancy.
Sponsored by Layla Moran (Liberal Democrat).
Originating in the House of Commons; current stage is the second reading in the Commons.
First reading in the Commons took place on 7 February 2018.
Part of updating and simplifying the statute book by removing an outdated offence.

Progress

The bill began in the Commons and had its first reading in February 2018; it is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons.

Who is affected?

People experiencing homelessness or rough sleepingIndividuals who would have been charged with vagrancy offencesPolice, prosecutors and courts involved in vagrancy casesCharities and organisations supporting homeless and vulnerable people

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

7 Feb 2018

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Vagrancy (Repeal)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Documents (1)

Bill 162 2017-19, as introduced

BillCommons

7 Feb 2018

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.