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Justice Minister, Crispin Blunt has proposed in a consultation paper that squatters who are persistent could be sent to prison. The proposed plans would also remove ‘squatters rights’ that make it harder for landlords to regain their property when squatters move in.

Blunt said “Far too many people have to endure the misery, expense and incredible hassle of removing squatters from their property. Hardworking home and business owners need and deserve a justice system where their rights come first”.

However, a representative of Crisis, a homeless charity, responded to Blunt’s plans and said “What about the misery facing homeless people who are so desperate for a roof over their heads that they are often forced to sleep in abandoned buildings without heat, light or water?”

The National Landlords Association (NLA) also gave their opinion and said that Blunt’s plans do not look at the “central issue of property owners being able to regain possession if squatters occupy their premises”.

Campaign groups say that the government are criminalising the homeless, encouraging rough sleeping and targeting those who already have addiction and mental health problems, in the middle of a housing crisis. However, the government has said that once those people are evicted, the local authority and police will help them find alternative accommodation.

Spokesman of the campaign group Squash, Paul Reynolds, said “This bill will only serve the interests of property speculators who are deliberately keeping properties empty simply to top up their profits, and unscrupulous landlords who will abuse these powers to illegally evict tenants”.

Officials at Whitehall admit they do not know the exact extent of squatting in Wales and England. There is also a lack of research on the actual number of derelict buildings, abandoned properties, which ones are protected with landlord insurance or who actually occupies the empty buildings.

There are fears that the plan to withdraw legal aid for squatters and making squatting a criminal office could be used against protesters engaged in direct action, gypsies and travellers.

The legislation may be introduced depending on the outcome of the public’s view. The consultation is open to the public and closes on the 5th October 2011.

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