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The government has scrapped plans to criminalize homelessness on grounds of “nuisance begging” and “excessive” odor following a rebellion by around 40 Tory MPs.
A criminal justice bill could criminalize homeless people sleeping in doorways in a crackdown championed by controversial former home secretary Suella Braverman. The plan was to have them transferred, fined up to £2,500 or jailed.
After amendments to the bill, police will be told to direct rough sleepers to support services such as hostels or addiction treatment before it is considered a crime.
Police Minister Chris Phillip said: “No one should be criminalized because they don’t have a place to live, but as we have always said, we will not tolerate violent disorder in a way that disrupts public space. “We will not accept behavior that is anti-social or intimidating to the general public, such as sleeping.” Local businesses and fire escapes. ”
The current home secretary, James Cleverley, has confirmed that the government will repeal the 1824 Vagrancy Act, which criminalizes rough sleeping, and replace it with new legislation.
The Home Office said the “excessive” odor aspect was intended to refer to rubbish and human waste, rather than criminalizing the inability to wash.
Josie Parsons, chief executive of housing provider Local Space, said: “The victimization of people who are unintentionally homeless and sleeping poorly is the worst thing in a free and fair society to do.” It shouldn’t even be part of the law. I’m glad the government has decided it makes sense and has withdrawn that proposal.” effectively criminalizing homelessness.
“Criminalizing social problems is neither the answer nor the solution. If the government is serious about tackling the problem of record numbers of people sleeping rough and living in temporary housing, it is important to address the root causes of There is an urgent need to increase the amount of social housing available through large-scale new building programs and large-scale acquisitions to address demand and unsold new market housing.
“In addition to this, we also need to significantly expand quality residential accommodation for people who are homeless and waiting to be placed in permanent accommodation.”
Councilors who opposed the plans included Bob Blackman, Nicky Aiken, Tracey Crouch, Serene Saxby, Stephen Hammond, Sir Ian Duncan Smith, Joe Gideon, Caroline Noakes, Derek Thomas; They included John Penrose and Damian Green.