The government has announced a short consultation into what legislation should replace the Vagrancy Act. Homeless Link are interested to hear from members on your views. The three questions are :
- How to replace the offences in the Vagrancy Act which prohibit begging in an appropriate way that prioritises getting individuals into support
- 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.
- 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.
The closing date for submissions is 5 May, so please contact us by the end of April if you have views.
