In Plain English
AI-generatedThis bill would repeal the Vagrancy Act 1824, removing offences that could criminalise someone simply for being homeless or begging. By repealing those provisions, it aims to reduce criminal penalties linked to vagrancy and shift the response toward support and services for people in need.
Key Points
- Repeals the Vagrancy Act 1824 in full.
- Aims to remove criminal penalties for vagrancy in public spaces.
- Shifts approach from punishment to support for people who are homeless or begging.
- Sponsored by Layla Moran (Liberal Democrat) and currently at the second reading in the Commons.
- Next step is committee stage, followed by further readings in Parliament.
Progress
The bill is at the second reading in the House of Commons; after this, it would move to committee for detailed examination.
Who is affected?
People experiencing homelessness or rough sleepingPeople who beg or are perceived as vagrantsHomelessness charities and outreach servicesLocal authorities and housing/homelessness servicesPolice and other law enforcement agencies and the courts
Generated 21 February 2026
