Menu
31/08/2012
Squatting To Become A Criminal Offence
Squatting is to be criminalised for the first time in England and Wales from Saturday 1 September.
It will become illegal squat in homes and all other residential buildings.
This follows on from a public consultation last year on options for dealing with squatting and better protecting homeowners.
The new offence will be punishable by a maximum prison term of up to six months, a maximum £5000 fine or both. Previously, the only option was to seek a civil court order to regain possession of the property, which could be time consuming, expensive and stressful.
Justice Minister Crispin Blunt said: "'For too long squatters have had the justice system on the run and have caused homeowners untold misery in eviction, repair and clean-up costs. Not any more. Hard working homeowners need and deserve a justice system where their rights come first - this new offence will ensure the police and other agencies can take quick and decisive action to deal with the misery of squatting."
The new offence will protect homeowners, legitimate tenants who have been excluded from their homes as well as people who own residential buildings they don’t live in such as landlords, local authorities or second home owners.
(GK)
It will become illegal squat in homes and all other residential buildings.
This follows on from a public consultation last year on options for dealing with squatting and better protecting homeowners.
The new offence will be punishable by a maximum prison term of up to six months, a maximum £5000 fine or both. Previously, the only option was to seek a civil court order to regain possession of the property, which could be time consuming, expensive and stressful.
Justice Minister Crispin Blunt said: "'For too long squatters have had the justice system on the run and have caused homeowners untold misery in eviction, repair and clean-up costs. Not any more. Hard working homeowners need and deserve a justice system where their rights come first - this new offence will ensure the police and other agencies can take quick and decisive action to deal with the misery of squatting."
The new offence will protect homeowners, legitimate tenants who have been excluded from their homes as well as people who own residential buildings they don’t live in such as landlords, local authorities or second home owners.
(GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 September 2012
21-Year-Old Man First To Be Jailed For Squatting
A 21-year-old man has become the first person to be jailed for squatting. Police arrested Alex Haigh at a flat in Pimlico on 2 September, he had arrived in London from Plymouth two months ago. Haigh pleaded guilty to squatting in a residential property and was jailed for 12 weeks by Westminster Magistrates' Court.
21-Year-Old Man First To Be Jailed For Squatting
A 21-year-old man has become the first person to be jailed for squatting. Police arrested Alex Haigh at a flat in Pimlico on 2 September, he had arrived in London from Plymouth two months ago. Haigh pleaded guilty to squatting in a residential property and was jailed for 12 weeks by Westminster Magistrates' Court.
09 July 2015
72-Year-Old Arrested In Historical Abuse Investigation
A 72-year-old man has been arrested as part of an investigation into historical sexual abuse. The arrest is in connection with a rape investigation that was re-opened by Northumbria police as part of the internal enquiry into the 'no-criming' of rape and sexual offence allegations.
72-Year-Old Arrested In Historical Abuse Investigation
A 72-year-old man has been arrested as part of an investigation into historical sexual abuse. The arrest is in connection with a rape investigation that was re-opened by Northumbria police as part of the internal enquiry into the 'no-criming' of rape and sexual offence allegations.
08 November 2005
Clamp down to hit uninsured drivers
New measures to clamp down on uninsured drivers have been announced by the government. Police forces across the country will now be able to use automatic number plate recognition cameras to spot uninsured vehicles, which can then be seized and possibly destroyed.
Clamp down to hit uninsured drivers
New measures to clamp down on uninsured drivers have been announced by the government. Police forces across the country will now be able to use automatic number plate recognition cameras to spot uninsured vehicles, which can then be seized and possibly destroyed.
18 March 2014
New TV Licence Law To End Criminal Offence In Motion
Ministers have agreed to include a proposal to end the criminal offence of failing buy a TV licence in an amendment to the Deregulation Bill on 25th March. The decision comes after the suggestion of Tory MP Andrew Bridgen's to make non-payment a civil matter gained the support of 143 MPs.
New TV Licence Law To End Criminal Offence In Motion
Ministers have agreed to include a proposal to end the criminal offence of failing buy a TV licence in an amendment to the Deregulation Bill on 25th March. The decision comes after the suggestion of Tory MP Andrew Bridgen's to make non-payment a civil matter gained the support of 143 MPs.
08 March 2012
New Law To Make Stalking Specific Criminal Offence
The Prime Minister has announced that stalking is to be made a specific criminal offence. Describing it as “an abhorrent crime” David Cameron said stalking "makes life a living hell for the victims". The PM will meet victims of stalking today at No.10 in a reception to mark International Women’s Day.
New Law To Make Stalking Specific Criminal Offence
The Prime Minister has announced that stalking is to be made a specific criminal offence. Describing it as “an abhorrent crime” David Cameron said stalking "makes life a living hell for the victims". The PM will meet victims of stalking today at No.10 in a reception to mark International Women’s Day.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
