The Ark welcomes confirmation on rough sleeping decriminalisation – but more needs to be done

After 200 years, rough sleeping will no longer be a crime as the Government confirms it will formally scrap the Vagrancy Act by Spring next year.

The Act was introduced in 1824 – towards the end of the Georgian era - to deal with rising homelessness which increased after the Napoleonic Wars and Industrial Revolution.  

While use of the Act against rough sleeping has significantly declined over the years in line with modern attitudes and greater understanding around the causes of homelessness, it remains enforceable in law.

The Government will be repealing the Act to ensure rough sleeping is no longer a criminal offence, as it concentrates its efforts on getting to the root causes of homelessness, backed by major funding. 

Commenting on the repeal of the Vagrancy Act, our Charity Director Anton Goodwin, says:

“While the repeal is a positive development, legislative change alone is not enough. As the recent violent attacks on rough sleepers in our area have shown, people experiencing homelessness continue to face daily threats to their safety and wellbeing.

“The focus now must shift from punishment to prevention and protection — ensuring that those sleeping rough can access emergency accommodation, mental health support, and long-term housing options.”

For 2024/25 Q3 the Local Government ‘Understanding Homelessness in Shropshire’ found:

• 19 people were sleeping rough according to Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Annual Rough Sleeping Snapshot in England: Autumn, (Data updated: 27 Feb 2025).

• During 2024/25 Q3, 112 households were accepted as priority need and owed a main duty in Shropshire, and 59 were identified as vulnerable households.

• In 2024/25 Q3, there were a total of 221 households in temporary accommodation in Shropshire. This equates to a rate of 1.47 households per 1,000 households.

• In the latest reporting period (2024/25 Q3) most households in temporary accommodation in Shropshire comprised of a Single adult – 43% were single adult males (mean for All English unitary authorities 30%) and 21% were single female adult (mean for all English unitary authorities 15%)

From January to March 2025, we supported more than 20 homeless and vulnerable people, and we helped 11 move into permanent accommodation.

As well as the people we support, and who are known to us, on average an additional 20 people in crisis come to our door seeking help, support or advice and information each month.

The Ark is the only organisation in Shrewsbury where those experiencing homelessness, or at risk from being homeless can seek help.

We’re committed to providing a safe space where individuals can heal, rebuild trust, pursue their passions, and find a path to permanent housing.

And it’s thanks to you we’re able to operate.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who support us!

We never charge for our services. We don't receive any government funding and are reliant on grants, donations and our team of volunteers.

Everything we do to support vulnerable people in our community, and help them make positive changes, is because of your generosity.

You can make a donation directly into our CAF bank account here, or if you shop online, we’re on the Give As you Live platform - from holidays and travel, to clothing and gifts, access over 6,000 retail partners where you can shop as normal, but your purchase will automatically generate a donation for us, at no cost to you!

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