Amidst opposition from Conservative MPs, the government has softened planned police powers concerning “nuisance” rough sleepers. A revision to the Criminal Justice Bill means that forces in England and Wales can no longer order the displacement of rough sleepers due to “smells.” Furthermore, services providing support need to be made known to these individuals before they can be moved elsewhere. The revision has been introduced before the return of the bill to Parliament on Wednesday. The changes were enacted following talks with Conservative members threatening to join opposition MPs in voting in favor of similar measures.
The legislation, drafted by former Home Secretary Suella Braverman, seeks to fulfill a longstanding government pledge to revoke Victorian-era legislation which presently criminalizes rough sleeping. Replacement measures allow the police and local council officials to direct “nuisance” rough sleepers to vacate an area. The details of the proposed legislation hit the headlines last month after certain MPs objected to provisions that regarded rough sleepers who caused “smells” as being a nuisance. The Home Office maintains that the reference solely pertained to rubbish or excrement; however, it has been deleted. Moving people for other reasons, including damage to property or the use of menacing language, can continue, but before this initiative can be undertaken, rough sleepers must be made aware of the resources accessible to them, such as shelters or addiction treatment.
Policing Minister Chris Philp stated that critics of the bill have been closely considered, adding that ministers have agreed to adjustments to ensure the new powers are “accurately targeted.” The changes will “direct vulnerable individuals toward aid while safeguarding communities from antisocial behavior.” Homelessness charity Crisis welcomed the removal of “some of the more scandalous measures” in the bill, but Chief Executive Matt Downie declared discomfort with the fact that rough sleepers would “continue to be at risk of fines.” Downie implored the government to concentrate on initiatives that work to alleviate homelessness, including developing thousands more social housing units and offering additional funding to support services like Housing First.
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