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Date: April 30, 2024 Tue
Time: 12:44 am
Time: 12:44 am
Results for squatting (u.k.)
2 results foundAuthor: Great Britain. Ministry of Justice Title: Options for Dealing with Squatting Summary: Squatting is a form of trespass. It usually involves the deliberate entry and occupation of a building without the consent of the owner or the occupier of that property. At present there is very little information held centrally about the number of people who squat, their reasons for doing so or the types of buildings that tend to attract squatters, but the level of public concern about this issue has led the Government to believe this may be a growing problem in residential and non-residential property. Although trespass is not in itself a criminal offence (it would normally be regarded as a civil wrong) there are already a range of offences in place to deal with the criminal activities of squatters. Owners and occupiers of property can also pursue civil procedures to get them evicted. The Government recently published new guidance on the Direct-Gov and Department for Communities and Local Government websites for people seeking to evict squatters from their properties, but it recognises that more may need to be done to reassure the public that the law is on their side. The purpose of this consultation is therefore twofold: to gather more information about the nature and extent of squatting in England and Wales; and to invite views on whether, and how, existing criminal and civil mechanisms should be strengthened to deal with it. Criminalising squatting is one option that the Government is considering, but depending on the views of consultees there may be other options that could be explored. For example, the Government could consider whether existing offences and civil mechanisms relating to squatting could be strengthened or whether the problems caused by squatters would diminish if existing offences, such as criminal damage and burglary, were rigorously enforced. The extent of the problem caused by squatters is discussed in more detail in chapter 1. The existing law is summarised in chapter 2; possible options for dealing with squatters are set out in chapter 3; and the potential impact of these options on the enforcement authorities and other organisations is discussed in chapter 4. The consultation focuses on squatters who occupy buildings and their immediate surroundings. It does not concern unauthorised encampments on open land which raise different questions of law and practice and are already subject to legislation – in particular, sections 61-62E of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. The consultation is aimed at anyone who might be affected by these proposals; anyone who has been the victim of squatting; and anyone who has experience (positive or negative) of using the current law or procedures to get squatters evicted. The views of the law enforcement agencies, local authorities, housing associations, homeless charities or other organisations which might be affected by these proposals would also be particularly welcome. Details: London: Home Office, 2011. 38p. Source: Internet Resource: Consultation Paper CP 12/2011: Accessed July 18, 2011 at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/consultations/options-dealing-with-squatting.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.justice.gov.uk/downloads/consultations/options-dealing-with-squatting.pdf Shelf Number: 122081 Keywords: HomelessnessSquatting (U.K.)Trespassing |
Author: Reeve, Kesia Title: Squatting: A Homelessness Issue. An Evidence Review Summary: This report synthesises research commissioned by Crisis and other organisations about the nature and extent of squatting. It was commissioned to inform debate about squatting, particularly in the context of current Government proposals to criminalise squatting. The key conclusions, and recommendations which flow from them, are as follows: Squatting is a common response to homelessness, with evidence suggesting that 40 per cent of single homeless people squat (6 per cent on any one night). Most homeless people who squat try other avenues for resolving their housing problems before turning to squatting. They approach local hostels and shelters but find there are no spaces in the hostels, or they are not eligible, and that the assistance provided does not help them resolve their housing problem. The majority of those who approach a local authority are recognised as homeless. However, most are not entitled to housing because they are not recognised as being in priority need or are deemed intentionally homeless. Many squat as a last resort, when the only alternative is rough sleeping. The evidence suggests that the majority of squatters were sleeping rough immediately prior to squatting. Squatting, then, typically reflects a lack of other options, a scarcity of provision, and inadequate support and assistance to single homeless people. Many squatters have significant welfare needs including mental and physical health issues and other vulnerabilities. The evidence shows consistently that homeless people who squat have higher levels of needs than those who do not. The most recent study, for example, found that 34 per cent of homeless people who squat had been in care, 42 per cent had physical ill health or a disability; and 41 per cent reported mental ill health (compared with 19 per cent, 27 per cent, and 32 per cent respectively of homeless people who had not squatted) Homeless people who squat occupy empty, usually disused or abandoned property, not other people’s homes. Strengthening laws or enforcement activity against squatters in occupied buildings is likely to have minimal impact on levels of squatting but significant impact on squatters themselves. Squatting, then, is a homelessness and welfare issue, not a criminal justice issue. There is a need to acknowledge squatting as a manifestation of housing need and as a product of inadequate and insufficient support for single homeless people. Squatting needs to be debated within this context. Criminalising squatting will criminalise a vulnerable homelessness population and is likely to increase the number of rough sleepers. Instead, government and service providers should consider the following: Summary of findings and recommendations 1. Do not introduce further squatting related criminal offences. Squatting is not a criminal justice issue but a housing and welfare one and any change to the existing law risks harming an already very vulnerable population. 2. Improve the evidence base so fully informed debate can take place and appropriate interventions developed. At present, no national data are available and studies tend to be small scale. 3. Raise awareness and dispel some of the myths about squatters. Squatting needs to be recognised as a homelessness issue. 4. Provide support and outreach services targeted at squatters. Many want and require assistance but, for various reasons, are disengaged from support services. 5. Protect homelessness services from cuts, and increase homelessness provision. Many people squat because they have no other options. Squatting is likely to escalate if homelessness services are cut. 6. Ensure all local authorities provide effective ‘advice and assistance’ when single homeless people approach a local authority. Many homeless people who squat approach a local authority first but the assistance they receive does not help them resolve their housing problems. Details: London: Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University, and Crisis, 2011. 24p. Source: Internet Resource: Accessed October 28, 2011 at: http://www.crisis.org.uk/data/files/publications/Crisis_SquattingReport_SEPT2011.pdf Year: 2011 Country: United Kingdom URL: http://www.crisis.org.uk/data/files/publications/Crisis_SquattingReport_SEPT2011.pdf Shelf Number: 123163 Keywords: Homeless PersonsHomelessnessPovertySquatting (U.K.) |