Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is reportedly facing a rebellion over a plan to criminalise homelessness, it emerged last night.

Ministers are looking at offering police the powers to fine – up to £2,500 – or jail “nuisance” rough sleepers.

The bid is expected to be put forward under the Government’s Criminal Justice Bill, which is due to be voted on before the general election.

More than 40 Tory MPs have indicated they would vote against it.

One of those involved said: “The Government is panicking about the scale of the rebellion...they know if it gets pushed to a vote they will lose. But we’re not backing down or giving way.

"The ball is in the Government’s court. They need to listen or it will be desperate for them.”

Polly Neate, chief executive of charity Shelter, in an interview with The Times, said: “Instead of punishing people for being homeless, politicians should prevent them ending up on the streets.”