Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Vagrancy Act: Repeal

Monday 22 May 2023 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Bob Blackman asked about the progress on repealing the Vagrancy Act 1824, highlighting that there is a delay due to parliamentary time constraints.
  • The Government stated they will repeal the Vagrancy Act once suitable replacement legislation is in place to address aggressive begging while helping the homeless.
  • Jim Shannon inquired about discussions with the Northern Ireland Executive on the Vagrancy Act, to which the response was that discussions will commence once the Northern Ireland Executive is reformed, aiming for similar results in reducing rough sleeping.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Immigration Justice & Courts Housing
Context

The question arises from a long-standing campaign to repeal an outdated law and replace it with modern legislation. The issue was raised in both Houses of Parliament over a year ago.

Question

What progress has been made on repealing the Vagrancy Act 1824? More than a year ago, we agreed in votes across both Houses to repeal this act, yet there seems to be an attempt by the Home Office to reintroduce it for handling aggressive begging. The homeless need assistance, not arrest. When will the new legislation be enacted?

Answer from Chris Philp

The Government is committed to repealing the Vagrancy Act as soon as suitable replacement legislation is ready. This will happen when parliamentary time allows, ensuring that people who are homeless receive help rather than arrest, while also addressing aggressive begging issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline for introducing and enacting new legislation was not provided

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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Justice & Courts Housing
Context

Following an initial question, further details are sought regarding the legislative timeline and objectives for repealing this act.

Question

More than a year ago in both Houses of Parliament, we agreed to repeal the 1824 Vagrancy Act. Yet it seems as if aggressive begging is being addressed by reintroducing elements of this law. People who are street homeless need help, not arrest. When will the enactment of new legislation occur?

Answer from Chris Philp

We will repeal the Vagrancy Act once suitable replacement legislation is ready. This ensures that people who are homeless receive assistance rather than arrest, while also protecting members of the public from aggressive or nuisance begging.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline for enactment was not provided

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Housing Northern Ireland
Context

Homelessness is a significant issue across the United Kingdom, and there are efforts to address it through legislative reform.

Question

What discussions have taken place with the Northern Ireland Executive regarding the Vagrancy Act 1824? The Minister understands the issue well. How can we ensure that improvements in England also benefit people in Northern Ireland?

Answer from Chris Philp

Discussions will occur once the Northern Ireland Executive is reformed. We aim to bring about similar results in reducing rough sleeping as seen in England, where homelessness levels are 35% lower than in 2017.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details on current or planned discussions were not provided

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