Overview

The Government has bowed to pressure to make squatting at residential premises a criminal offence.

Legislation to this effect is to be introduced in a late change to the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill. Whilst undoubtedly this will earn positive headlines in the press, questions remain as to how effective this measure will be.

The criticism that has been levelled at the current process for removing squatters from both residential and commercial premises is:
• the length of time that the process takes
• during the period of gaining possession, some squatters cause criminal damage

This briefing argues an opportunity has been missed to have a radical rethink of the whole procedure around obtaining possession of premises from squatters.