Govt's pushing ahead with 'move on' law for rough sleepers

The government has published its anticipated "move-on" law, which will allow police to shift rough sleepers or people displaying disorderly behaviour away from public places

Officers will be able to force people aged 14 and over to leave a specified area for up to 24 hours, and move what they determine is a "reasonable distance" away.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said it would deal with "unprecedented levels" of disruption on streets and in town centres.

Businesses, residents and visitors were paying the price for that, he said.

"We currently have many tools to help those who are in need, including access to one of the most generous welfare systems in the world, but we have limited tools to deal with disorderly behaviour.

"It means many disruptive, distressing, and potentially harmful acts can occur before police officers have any means of intervention. This legislation changes that."

• Living with the rats and the rubbish
• Threats force end to free meals

Anyone breaching move on orders could be fined or jailed, but the move-on order on its own is not a criminal charge, he said.

The proposed law would likely be debated in parliament for the first time next week.

Move on-orders can be issued to anyone who is:

• displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening or intimidating behaviour
• obstructing or impeding someone entering a business
• breaching the peace
• begging
• rough sleeping
• displaying behaviour indicating an intent to inhabit a public place.