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Dr Ben Archer

@benjaminarcher96.bsky.social
123 followers 154 following 46 posts

Lecturer and early-career researcher | Views own | he/him 🏳️‍🌈 linktr.ee/drbenarcher

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Reposted by Dr Ben Archer
Streets Kitchen @streetskitchen.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Streets Kitchen Statement: The Vagrancy Act Repeal is a PR Smokescreen for Rebranded Cruelty. www.streetskitchen.org/2026/06/the-...
streetskitchen.org
The Vagrancy Act Repeal is a PR Smokescreen for Rebranded Cruelty - Streets Kitchen
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
There’s a real risk that, without careful attention, this shift could lead to further criminalisation of street homelessness rather than its resolution. Still very relevant as policy continues to evolve in this space.
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
While this is a long-overdue change, I argue that it may not be the clear-cut win many hope for. As the use of the Vagrancy Act has declined, other measures—particularly Public Spaces Protection Orders—have expanded, often with less scrutiny and oversight.
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
With the Vagrancy Act finally being repealed, I’m resharing a thought piece I wrote for the Big Issue last year.
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
We’ll be sharing evidence-based recommendations and contributing to discussions on effective, fair responses to ASB, including the role of legal literacy in shaping practice. Looking forward to the conversation.
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
It’s ASB Awareness Week! The ASB Research Team at Sheffield Hallam University – Vicky Heap, Alex Black, and I – have been invited by Merseyside PCC Emily Spurrell to present our research on Public Spaces Protection Orders.
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
Thanks, Kush! Spot on about Broken Windows. It has been part of ASB policy architecture since its inception, but the jury is still out on its effectiveness 😅
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
In the past 24 hours, I’ve contributed to BBC Politics South, BBC Radio Berkshire, and BBC News, discussing PSPOs (and swans 🦢) and their wider implications.
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Axl at the 2024 General Election. Missing him today – he always came with me to the polls. #dogsatpollingstations
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Day 1 was packed with fantastic panels. Today it’s my turn: I’ll be presenting in the ‘Criminal Law and Criminal Justice’ panel at 2 pm. Do come along – I’ve brought a handful of PSPO handbooks for some lucky attendees! #slsa2026
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
It’s my first time attending the @slsauk.bsky.social conference in person, and also my first visit to (a very windy) Brighton 🏖️
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Reposted by Dr Ben Archer
Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
First viva anniversary 🎉 Feel really lucky to have had an enjoyable experience, although I do look like a deer in headlights in these pictures!
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
New Open Access article published in Punishment & Society! 📢 Public Spaces Protection Orders and the Policing of Sub-Criminal Behaviour 👮 doi.org/10.1177/1462...
doi.org
Public spaces protection orders and the policing of sub-criminal behaviour - Benjamin Archer, 2025
Public spaces protection orders (PSPOs) are civil powers used to regulate anti-social behaviour in England and Wales. Since their introduction in 2014, concerns...
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
Travelling back from Birmingham after attending Green & Burton ASB Associates’ #ASB11 conference. Privileged to launch the Good Practice for Implementing a PSPO guide. Thanks to my Fellowship budget, I printed 150 copies, and every delegate took one home. Talk about research impact!
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
All printed and ready to be launched at #ASB11 next month! @janinegreenasb.bsky.social
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
Making the long journey from Sheffield to Leeds this week, as I'm excited to be attending the Society of Legal Scholars Annual Conference! I'll be presenting in the Criminal Law and Criminal Justice stream tomorrow, 3:00–4:40 pm. If you're around and fancy meeting up, drop me a message 😅
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Reposted by Dr Ben Archer
Matt Ashby @mattashby.com · 20/08/2025
Hotspot patrols (🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿) to reduce anti-social behaviour (minor public incivilities) didn’t lead to any change in residents’ perception of ASB frequency. The evaluation report includes lots of useful lessons for similar programmes in future:
gov.uk
ASB hotspot response pilot evaluation
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Although I'm on Annual Leave, I was pleased to see this in my email inbox yesterday!
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Always on PSPO watch 👀 this time outside Elland Road after a stadium tour for my partner’s 30th birthday 🎁
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
Thrilled to speak for the first time “up the road” at the University of Sheffield, and my first time using a microphone too 🎤 It was a pleasure to present my paper this morning at the Emerging Urban Inequalities Conference hosted by @sheffieldurbanism.bsky.social!
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Reposted by Dr Ben Archer
Sheffield Hallam University @sheffieldhallamuni.bsky.social · 24/06/2025
"Repealing the Vagrancy Act 1824 is a positive step forward, but it risks being largely symbolic as rough sleepers face a growing use of other powers." Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social writes for @bigissue.com ⬇ www.bigissue.com/opinion/vagr...
bigissue.com
Scrapping the Vagrancy Act won't end the criminalisation of rough sleeping
The Vagrancy Act criminalising rough sleeping in England and Wales is set to be axed but homeless people could still face criminalisation.
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Reposted by Dr Ben Archer
Big Issue @bigissue.com · 20/06/2025
The Vagrancy Act criminalising rough sleeping in England and Wales is set to be axed but homeless people could still face criminalisation.
bigissue.com
Scrapping the Vagrancy Act won't end the criminalisation of rough sleeping
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 20/06/2025
Many thanks to @bigissue.com for inviting me to write this opinion piece on the repeal of the Vagrancy Act 1824! www.bigissue.com/opinion/vagr...
bigissue.com
Scrapping the Vagrancy Act won't end the criminalisation of rough sleeping
The Vagrancy Act criminalising rough sleeping in England and Wales is set to be axed but homeless people could still face criminalisation.
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
Now, I’m making the most of my final week out of office in sunny Fuerteventura 🌞
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
It was a visit that’s left me reflecting on how I can embed co-production into my future research with people experiencing street homelessness.
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
While I was there, I visited the Museum of Homelessness. It’s an inspiring space that’s building the UK’s national collection of homelessness, with ‘storytellers’ sharing the stories behind objects connected to those who’ve experienced homelessness, giving a platform to voices that often go unheard.
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
I spent part of my annual leave last week in London attending the Cowboy Carter tour 🤠 🐝
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Reposted by Dr Ben Archer
Liberty @libertyhq.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
‼️ THAT’S NOT ALL They also want to increase existing fines for Community Protection Notices (CPNs) and Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) from £100 to £500 📈UK homelessness figures have risen dramatically since 2014 – the year these laws were created!
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Reposted by Dr Ben Archer
Liberty @libertyhq.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
‼️ The Government wants to introduce even MORE powers that will punish those living in poverty – at a time of record homelessness and during a cost-of-living crisis Here’s why EVERYONE should be concerned 🧵👇 (1/8)
Image of two police officers on Liberty green background. Text reads "POVERTY IS NOT A CRIME"
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Reposted by Dr Ben Archer
People, Place and Policy (PPP) Journal @ppp-journal.bsky.social · 09/05/2025
Our #PPPconf2025 Session 1a will feature these papers – book now to be involved in these discussions 🎫 💬 ➡️ ppp-online.org/annual-confe...
We’ll be featuring papers on: 

• Understanding trauma through the experiences of homelessness by Alex Norton 

• Multidimensional trauma and the trauma-informed community in Rotherham by Rebecca Hamer 

• “I do think people aren’t treated equally across the board”: Public Spaces Protection Orders and people experiencing street homelessness by Dr Ben Archer
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 02/05/2025
"Sheffield Council recently introduced a Public Spaces Protection Order that will have a major effect on the lives of homeless people in the city, including bans on begging and loitering." Really appreciate the Manifesto Club asking me to write something on this. manifestoclub.info/sheffield-co...
manifestoclub.info
Sheffield Council’s PSPO will be a hard blow for the homeless
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 29/04/2025
Spending a sunny morning indoors was worth it for such an insightful event! Thanks to Public Policy Exchange for having me. Now off to get some WFG time in the sun 🌞
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Reposted by Dr Ben Archer
Now Then magazine @nowthenmag.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Last week, Sheffield's first Public Space Protection Order came into force. But did @sheffcitycouncil.bsky.social properly consider whether it will disproportionately impact the city's most vulnerable people? @sammgreg.bsky.social investigates, with insight from @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social ⬇️
nowthenmagazine.com
Sheffield’s new anti-begging order has been criticised for targeting the most vulnerable. Is it also unlawful?
At the time a decision was made to introduce the controversial new PSPO, civil liberties campaigners say a legally-mandated assessment of its impact on disabled people had not been completed.
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
Excited to be presenting a paper in what looks to be a brilliant session on ‘Trauma and Homelessness’
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Reposted by Dr Ben Archer
People, Place and Policy (PPP) Journal @ppp-journal.bsky.social · 14/04/2025
We’re delighted to launch our #PPPconf2025 programme 🚀 The programme theme is Political Transitions: Continuity and Change and we look forward to hearing from a range of fantastic speakers. Book your place now! ➡️ ppp-online.org/annual-confe...
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Reposted by Dr Ben Archer
C20 Society @c20society.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
🚨 Reuse Them or Lose Them: C20's Risk List campaign 2025 is here! From a Millennium pop music museum in Sheffield to a Bauhaus-inspired 1930s department store in Bradford, a 1970s brutalist football stand in Newcastle, to a 1980s ‘High-Tech Nissen hut in London. c20society.org.uk/buildings-at...
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
www.theguardian.com/artanddesign...
theguardian.com
‘It’s unjust’: charity fights to save UK’s at-risk modern buildings
Millennium-era buildings – including Sheffield’s ‘kettle building’ – among a number of landmarks facing demolition
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
If anyone in Sheffield comes across a PSPO sign, let me know - I walked up The Moor yesterday and didn't spot any! www.sheffield.gov.uk/pollution-nu...
sheffield.gov.uk
Public Spaces Protection Order | Sheffield City Council
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 04/04/2025
Suited and booted last month for the Law Ball 🪩 #35mm
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 01/04/2025
Sheffield's Public Spaces Protection Order – with prohibitions on alcohol consumption, begging, loitering, drug use, and urination/defecation – is confirmed to become active on Monday, April 7th: www.sheffield.gov.uk/pollution-nu... Unfortunately, this isn't an April Fool's joke 😕
sheffield.gov.uk
Public Spaces Protection Order | Sheffield City Council
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Speaking at Public Policy Exchange’s ‘Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour’ event on April 29th – discussing PSPOs and the impact of the Crime and Policing Bill. Looking forward to the conversation! www.publicpolicyexchange.co.uk/event.php?ev...
publicpolicyexchange.co.uk
Tackling Anti-Social Behaviour: Turning the page on ASB, holding perpetrators to account, and improving support for victims | Public Policy Exchange
Anti-social behaviour (ASB) continues to blight countless lives across the UK. In the year to September 2023, around one million ASB incidents were reported to the police in England and Wales. Accordi
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
It will do little to help the perception/reality of FPNs as 'fining for profit'. I'd be interested to see what evidence the government used to say that £500 is more of a deterrent than £100, especially for those most vulnerable...
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
And, to hopefully/shamelessly increase my BlueSky profile, a picture of my (nearly 15 year old!) dog, Axl 🐶
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
A new article on PSPOs which - through the lens of man's best friend - may increase awareness of their inconsistent use
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater...
manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Dozens evicted at dawn as St Peter's Square homeless camp is broken up
The ‘red tent camp’ sprang up in Manchester city centre last spring
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Clause 7: This is a welcome inclusion that could be developed further. I have long recommended robust accountability processes from the central government for ASB powers, particularly PSPOs (shura.shu.ac.uk/33830/1/Arch...).
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Clause 4: Another remnant of the Criminal Justice Bill, and something we similarly advocated against. Evidence must be presented which shows that a £500 FPN is more likely to deter ASB than one of £100, otherwise it only worsens the criminalisation of vulnerability.
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Clause 3: A remnant of the previous Criminal Justice Bill, dispersal directions are blunt, short-term resolutions. As we advocated in our written evidence for the earlier Bill (shura.shu.ac.uk/33820/3/Heap...) it will serve to only exclude vulnerable citizens from public spaces for longer.
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 26/02/2025
Some thoughts on the "strengthening" of ASB powers in the Crime and Policing Bill:
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Dr Ben Archer @benjaminarcher96.bsky.social · 25/02/2025
Particularly interested to see what is meant by "strengthening" the existing anti-social behaviour powers!
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