Powers to move rough sleepers over ‘smells’ dropped after Tory opposition

A reference to giving “the appearance of” sleeping rough will also be removed, following warnings from critics this was too vague.

Policing Minister Chris Philp said ministers had “listened carefully” to critics of the bill and had agreed to make changes to ensure the new powers are “properly targeted”.

He added the amendments would “ensure vulnerable people are directed towards support, while protecting communities from antisocial behaviour”.

Crisis, the homelessness charity, said it was pleased that “some of the more outrageous measures” in the bill had been removed.

However, chief executive Matt Downie said rough sleepers would “remain at risk of fines and prison sentences,” calling this “unacceptable”.

“We have said time and time again that these powers are not needed,” he added.

“If the Westminster government really wants to end rough sleeping, then it should focus on the things we know work – such as building thousands more social homes and increasing funding for support services like Housing First.”