Scrapping rough sleeping law 'really good news'

The boss of a Blackpool homeless charity has said a plan to decriminalise rough sleeping on the streets of the seaside town is "really good news".

Ministers are planning to scrap the 200-year-old Vagrancy Act which was introduced in 1824 to deal with rising homelessness.

Jane Hugo from Streetlife, which helps 18 to 25-year-olds, said extra cash promised by the government would "really help to ramp up the support we're able to give people".

"I think criminalising rough sleepers was the wrong thing to do, so I'm pleased that it's been sorted out," she added.

Ms Hugo said more money towards homelessness prevention coupled with support for the vulnerable would "help to prevent people becoming homeless in the first place".

She said: "We have got a situation in Blackpool, but it's not as bad as some other towns in the North West.

"I think this issue gets mixed up with begging.

"A lot of people assume that people who are begging on the street are homeless and that's not always the case."

Ms Hugo said the charity had outreach teams in Blackpool who speak to people on the streets and direct them to help available.

"There are still complications why people rough sleep, some people with mental health issues find it really difficult to live in hostel-type accommodation, or to manage their own flats and lots of support is needed," she said.

"But we're doing our best and the extra funding will really help.

"I think it's really good news, it's long-awaited."

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