MPs Seek to Decriminalize Homelessness, Repeal 1824 Vagrancy Act
• Rebel Tory MPs working with Labour and Lib Dems want to repeal 200-year-old Vagrancy Act that criminalizes homelessness • Plan to strip out parts of crime bill that would give police powers to fine or move on rough sleepers • Combined proposals would fully decriminalize rough sleeping if passed • Vagrancy Act introduced in 1824 to target homeless ex-soldiers after Napoleonic Wars • Critics say crime bill defines "nuisance" so broadly that just sleeping in a doorway could warrant £2,500 fine