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Vagrancy Act 1824 — [Sir Charles Walker in the Chair]
13 April 2021
Lead MP
Nickie Aiken
Responding Minister
Eddie Hughes
Tags
Crime & Law EnforcementNHSHousingForeign AffairsMental Health
Word Count: 11173
Other Contributors: 8
At a Glance
Nickie Aiken raised concerns about vagrancy act 1824 — [sir charles walker in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the Government to replace the Vagrancy Act with a new approach that places the preservation of life at its core through assertive outreach, alongside social care and specialist medical support. I also request that the Minister can address the issue of securing mental health assessments for rough sleepers and consider reintroducing street-based mental health services.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the antiquated nature of the Vagrancy Act 1824, which was originally introduced to deal with soldiers returning from the Napoleonic wars. The act is now used by police and councils to tackle a small minority of rough sleepers involved in persistent antisocial behaviour. There are more than 400 beds available on any given night in Westminster alone for rough sleepers, but these rarely come with vital health services required to help turn a person's life around.
Adam Holloway
Con
West Worcestershire
He thanked Nickie Aiken for calling the debate. He emphasised that homelessness is primarily a health issue rather than a housing or government fault issue, advocating for a distinction between street homeless and other categories of homelessness. He pointed out instances where begging was used to fund drug addiction and suggested preserving provisions against begging.
Bob Blackman
Con
Harrow East
Congratulated Nickie Aiken for securing the debate and praised her question to the Secretary of State that led to the possibility of repealing the Vagrancy Act 1824. Emphasized the importance of addressing homelessness through causes such as private sector tenancies ending, relationship breakdowns, unemployment, addiction, and substance abuse. Highlighted increased rent arrears during the pandemic affecting up to 245,000 people who could potentially become homeless post-eviction moratorium. Praised recent legislative improvements but called for further action in reviewing existing housing legislation and supporting Housing First initiatives.
Claudia Webbe
Lab
Westminster North
Ms Webbe criticised the Vagrancy Act for punishing vulnerable individuals who are homeless, noting that rough sleeping has increased by 141% since 2010. She highlighted concerns about recent immigration rules which could push people away from seeking support and leave them more vulnerable to exploitation. Ms Webbe also expressed dissatisfaction with the inadequate support packages during the pandemic and called for revised measurement of rough sleepers.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Congratulated the hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster on bringing this debate to Westminster Hall, agreeing that with over 50 housing and homelessness organisations supporting scrapping the Vagrancy Act 1824, the Minister and the Government must consider alternatives.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
The Vagrancy Act of 1824 is an outdated law that criminalises rough sleeping. From 2009 to 2019, Thames Valley police brought 131 proceedings under the Act alone. Moran calls for a swift repeal of the Act and urges the Government to provide a timeline for its review and eventual scrapping.
Mick Whitley
Lab
Cheadle
He highlighted the causes of homelessness, such as the housing crisis and welfare system issues. He mentioned that there was a 165% increase in rough sleepers due to austerity measures. In Merseyside alone, nearly 300 proceedings were brought under the Vagrancy Act in 2019. He stressed the devastating consequences of fines for homeless individuals, which can amount up to £1,000 and further push them into poverty.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Robbie Moore highlighted the issue of rough sleeping in his constituency, praising local charities such as Homeless Not Hopeless and Project 6 for their work. He welcomed the Government's £212 million support package through the rough sleeping accommodation programme but called for the repeal of the Vagrancy Act 1824, which he argued is unfit for purpose.
Bristol West
The MP noted the antiquated nature of the Vagrancy Act and its failure to address underlying issues such as destitution, poverty, and insecure housing. She mentioned the declining number of prosecutions under the Act but questioned whether it solves the problems it was introduced to tackle. The MP highlighted the need for a focus on prevention through secure jobs and affordable housing. I am grateful to the Minister for giving way; he is very courteous. He says that it is above his pay grade to decide whether that happens, but will he be making the case for the renters reform Bill to be in the Queen's Speech? That is really what I am asking him to commit to.
Government Response
Eddie Hughes
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship, and I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate. The minister highlights the complexity of rough sleeping and stresses the importance of providing accommodation alongside support for individuals with complex needs. He mentions the fall in rough sleeping numbers by 37% over the past year and the Government's commitment to invest £433 million to provide homes for rough sleepers, along with high-quality support services. The minister also acknowledges the multi-agency work being done in Westminster and notes that the Vagrancy Act review is delayed due to pandemic-related issues but will be finalised soon. He highlights the importance of addressing health needs among rough sleepers through investments in mental health and substance misuse treatment, aiming to create a supportive environment for vulnerable individuals.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.