Vagrancy Act Consultation

Overview

This consultation seeks views on the replacement of offences previously held in the Vagrancy Act. This covers the following areas: 

1. How to replace the offences in the Vagrancy Act which prohibit begging in an appropriate way that prioritises getting individuals into support;  

2. How we can make sure that replacement legislation on begging supports the right environment in which to deliver effective services and to engage with vulnerable people constructively; and, 

3. What other changes – either legislative or non-legislative – should be considered to better equip police, local authorities, and other agencies to engage with people who are rough sleeping and to encourage them into support. 

These proposals relate to England and Wales.