“We’re really pleased to see the Vagrancy Act finally scrapped in England and Wales.
For over 200 years, this outdated law treated people sleeping rough as criminals — punishing them for being in crisis. At Maggs, we know this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Homelessness is the result of complex, often traumatic circumstances — not criminal behaviour.
This is a welcome and long-overdue step towards treating people with the dignity and compassion they deserve.”
— Maggs Day Centre, charity number 700852
