Landlord Action, an organisation specialising in helping landlords with problem tenants, has delivered a petition signed by 1,400 people to 10 Downing Street in an effort of criminalise squatting.
The petition is supported by Mike Weatherley, the Tory MP for Hove, Sussex.
Speaking in Westminster Hall, he said that the problem was getting worse, and called upon the Government to make it possible to remove squatters instantly, as any delay simply results in further damage and destruction. He suggested tough penalties and a criminal record for offenders.
Currently, squatting is considered to be a civil matter as a squatter has only committed an offence if they have broken into a property or caused damage.
But Weatherley said: “Serial squatters know the law. They submit Freedom of Information requests to councils to find out where there are empty buildings. They are web-savvy and highly resourceful. They run rings around the law.
“However, the absolute opposite is the case when it comes to the public in general, who would be shocked if they knew just how powerless they are to take on squatters.
“As a result of our campaign, the Government is now reviewing the law on squatting. We will keep the pressure on until, quite simply, squatting is criminalised.”
Yogesh Chandarana, campaigns director for Landlord Action, said: “We’d like to thank all of those who have supported the campaign to criminalise squatting so far. However, there is still a long way to go. We need to maintain pressure on decision makers in Westminster to ensure that any legislation is not watered down. People can still help by encouraging others to sign the petition.
“We are also encouraging people to write to their local MPs to support the campaign by signing Early Day Motion 1545. The more support we gain, the easier it will be to end the injustice of squatting.”
The petition will remain open for signatures until squatting has been made a criminal offence.
It can be found at www.gopetition.com/petition/43976.html
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