UK repeals 1824 Vagrancy Act, ending law against sleeping

A 200-year-old law that criminalized rough sleeping and begging in England and Wales has been formally repealed, marking a historic shift in how homelessness is addressed. The Vagrancy Act, which dated from 1824, was abolished on Monday, June 29, 2026, ending a legal framework that allowed authorities to arrest or prosecute people simply for sleeping on the streets.

The repeal is a central component of the government's National Plan to End Homelessness, which is backed by 3.6 billion pounds over three years. Officials described the change as moving from a punitive approach to one focused on prevention and support. Housing Secretary Steve Reed stated that homeless people are not criminals but people who need help, adding that repealing the outdated act shifts the focus from punishment to prevention. Homelessness Minister Alison McGovern called the repeal a long-overdue step reflecting a modern understanding of homelessness.

While the act is gone, officials emphasized that police and local authorities retain other powers to address criminal behavior. Existing legislation covering aggressive begging, public disorder, trespass, and antisocial conduct remains in force. The government...