B

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 21 January 2025

Debate

Homelessness

Contribution

I thank my noble friend for her campaigning around homelessness and on this issue. The Government view the Vagrancy Act 1824 as antiquated, cruel and no longer fit for purpose. No one should be criminalised for sleeping rough on the streets. I share her passion for ensuring it is confined to history, where it belongs. We want to ensure we avoid criminalising those who are most vulnerable, while ensuring that police and local authorities have the tools they need to make sure communities feel safe. As we move towards our steps on the Vagrancy Act, we are working closely with the Home Office and local partners. I was pleased that my honourable friend Minister Ali was able to announce yesterday an additional £20 million to deal with severe winter pressures, taking the total to £30 million.

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