For more than 10 years, Nickie Aiken has worked to secure more services, resources, and powers to end rough sleeping. The 1824 Vagrancy Act must be repealed, which currently criminalises the most vulnerable in our society. The Act needs replacing with a new vision that places the preservation of life at its core through assertive outreach, alongside specialist health care and support services, particularly to address mental health and addiction issues, all attached to accommodation.
Watch Nickie's contribution in Westminster Hall with Rough Sleeping Minister, Eddie Hughes MP, and hear more about the work the government is already undertaking including £750 million to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness, and the brilliant outreach teams in Crisis, Westminster City Council, The Passage Charity and St Mungo's, including the fantastic Hotel School scheme from The Passage and The Goring Hotel. The scheme provides real life skills, and job opportunities which will help people off the street and turn their lives around.
Nickie is grateful to Layla Moran for securing this hugely important debate.
