The Home Office is expanding police powers to address unauthorised encampments and disruptive protest tactics through amendments to vehicle removal and storage legislation, building on powers introduced in the Public Order Act 2023. The policy aims to balance the right to protest with public order and community safety, following increased scrutiny of protest policing in recent years. Current status involves active consultation on replacement legislation for the Vagrancy Act and consideration of how police powers interact with homelessness and rough sleeping.
A Bill to make it a criminal offence to demand money to vacate an unauthorised encampment; and for connected purposes.
A Bill to enable police forces and local authorities in England and Wales to disperse unauthorised traveller encampments with the minimum of delay; and for connected purposes