Tories water down plans to criminalise homelessness

PLANS to criminalise homelessness have been dropped in the face of a Conservative backbench rebellion.

Rough sleepers will only be prosecuted if they harass people, engage in anti-social behaviour or intimidate the public under Government concessions. James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, has dropped plans that would have given police powers to fine or move on rough sleepers for any nuisance, including having “an excessive smell”.

More than 40 Tory MPS had threatened to rebel over plans originally put forward by Suella Braverman, his predecessor, claiming they were so broadly drawn that a homeless person could be prosecuted for sleeping in a doorway.

The concessions will be laid out in amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill ahead of a vote tomorrow scrapping the Vagrancy Act, which criminalises people who sleep rough.

Mr Cleverly said: “Nobody should be criminalised for having nowhere to live, but as we have always said, we will not accept behaviour that is antisocial or intimidating to the public, such as rough sleeping in a way that blocks a local business or fire escape.” Police will be issued with guidance stipulating that they should aim first to engage with homeless people and offer support rather than criminalising them.

If an individual is causing antisocial behaviour, they could be served with a notice to stop or move on. If they ignore such a notice without reasonable excuse, it could be prosecuted as a criminal offence, and lead to the imposition of a court order for which they could be fined. The Government will also remove references to “smells”. The Home Office said it had been intended to tackle rubbish or human waste.

A rebel MP said the Government had made significant concessions while accepting the need to scrap the Vagrancy Act. Mr Cleverly and Chris Philp, the policing minister, both insisted the Government remains committed to ending rough sleeping .