This week, the UK Government formally confirmed that the Act will be repealed by 2026. It is a long-overdue recognition that homelessness is not a crime, but a complex social issue that requires compassion, support, and systemic reform.
First introduced in 1824, the Vagrancy Act criminalised rough sleeping and begging, treating visible poverty as a public nuisance rather than a social injustice. For over 200 years, this law enabled people experiencing homelessness to be fined or imprisoned simply for having nowhere to go.
At The Passage, we welcome this reform – it is something we have advocated for a long time.
It reflects a shift in public and political attitudes towards people experiencing homelessness and reinforces what we have always believed: that homelessness is solvable, and that everyone deserves dignity, support, and the opportunity to rebuild their life.
Through our frontline services, research, and policy advocacy, we’ve consistently championed an approach grounded in humanity and evidence. We’ve seen first hand how a supportive and person-centred approach can change lives.
We applaud the leadership shown by the Minister and all those who have helped make this possible. But the repeal of this outdated law is just one step. True progress will require more than removing punitive legislation. It demands sustained investment in:
- Homelessness prevention – intervening before people lose their homes
- Support services – ensuring individuals get the tailored help they need
- Safe, affordable housing – giving people a stable foundation to move forward
Together, we can build a future where homelessness is not just decriminalised, but ended for good.
We all have a role to play in ending homelessness.
Homelessness is not a choice. Making a difference is.