Petition · Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Repeal the vagrancy act of 1824 & introduce “leave no trace laws”
Closed
139 signatures
What the petition asks
The Vagrancy Act criminalises the homeless and wild campers which adds to their hardship. I think recognising the humanity of the homeless is crucial. I think “leave no trace laws” should be introduced which require homeless people to leave no trace of their rough sleeping or wild camping.
I think this outdated law criminalises people facing challenges. In the past five years, nearly 2,500 homeless individuals in England & Wales have been arrested under this Act for simply having no place to go. I think implementing "leave no trace" laws could protect the environment while allowing wild camping and rough sleeping without persecution. I think Scotland’s “free roam” laws are a good example of how it can be done.
Timeline
| 24 Dec 2024 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 24 Jun 2025 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
139
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Opened
24 Dec 2024
Closed
24 Jun 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 10 Aug 2026.