Agenda item

A Verbal update on the Vagrancy Act

Minutes:

Members received an update on measures related to begging and rough sleeping. The Assistant Directors (Community and Children’s Services) had met with the Senior Civil Servant leading on the legislation change and spoken to the Minister for Homelessness.  The Directors advised that the Government were keen to consult and engage but, at this time, could not commit to a timescale. 

During the discussion the following points were noted:

  • Some Members expressed strong views about the need for legal change and modernisation in relation to rough sleeping. Members noted how Operation Luscombe had been successful in taking a longer term view and other forces had expressed an interest in this initiative.  However, Police Officers present felt that some form of enforcement powers were necessary in order to protect individuals and the public.
  • The City Corporation would benefit from working in partnership with London Councils, who have a strong evidence base.  Members noted a debate in the Commons last week and looked forward to future opportunities for the City Corporation to participate in the debate.   
  • Members noted that the Crisis Charity had considerable evidence and would launch their repeal campaign after the Summer 2019 recess. 
  • The City Corporation would need to consider its position on begging and rough sleeping prior to gathering documentation about any difficulties with the current arrangements, including on the Vagrancy Act and other Acts.  Members accepted that this work could be very resource intensive and suggested that the City Corporation should work in partnership with other agencies, who have been collating evidence, and particularly London Councils. Officers were asked to review and report back on the positioning of boroughs and other parties in London.
  • Members accepted that, whilst this was an important piece of work, it should not take precedence over the options appraisal work set out in the following item on the agenda.