New plan of action for London, spending review and repeal of the Vagrancy Act signal progress on rough sleeping
11 June 2025
Commitments from City Hall and central government reflect a growing focus on long-term solutions
The Mayor of London’s new plan of action to end rough sleeping in the capital by 2030 focuses on the right areas — improving prevention, joining up services, and creating sustainable routes off the streets through long-term housing and support.
It’s a clear and timely commitment to tackling the structural causes of rough sleeping, and we’re encouraged to see emphasis on collaboration across services and boroughs. Of course, success will depend on sustained central government investment, but this is a real opportunity for alignment and joint action across London.
Government spending review
In a further positive development, the Government’s newly published Spending Review outlines a major long-term investment in affordable housing — including a commitment to nearly double funding for the Affordable Homes Programme, with £39 billion pledged over 10 years, and the introduction of a 10-year rent policy for social landlords.
Additional funding includes £100 million for homelessness prevention and £950 million for the Local Authority Housing Fund to support temporary accommodation. This increased funding could unlock vital opportunities to build and improve homes for thousands of people we support and communities across the country.
However, while we are encouraged by this long-term funding pledge, key details on how this investment will help people who are affected by rough sleeping are yet to be clarified. We look forward to the Government’s homelessness strategy, which we hope will clarify the steps that the government will take to ensure that this investment, together with the work of Thames Reach and others, combine to create a society in which it is no longer necessary to sleep on the streets.
Repeal of the Vagrancy Act
We also welcome the Government’s confirmation that the Vagrancy Act 1824 will be repealed by spring next year. No one should be criminalised for rough sleeping. Although rarely used in practice, this outdated legislation has contributed to the injustice faced by people forced to sleep rough. Its repeal is a long-overdue recognition that homelessness should be met with support, not punishment.
Together, these developments mark a real step in the right direction. We remain committed to playing our part in building a future where no one is left without a safe place to stay, and hope this signals continued progress towards tackling the root causes of homelessness — backed by the long-term investment in housing, prevention and frontline support that’s needed to make lasting change.