The UK government has launched a consultation about proposals to ‘criminalise squatting’. . . .
EcoTort Theatre
The UK government has launched a consultation about proposals to ‘criminalise squatting’.
The proposed legislation will have impacts on the most vulnerable people in society, will empower unscrupulous landlords and will burden the justice system, police and charities.
The Squash campaign provides resources on these impacts to raise awareness on the matter.
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Squash’s guidelines for responding to the consultation
Alongside the consultation paper the Government supplies a questionnaire through which people who want to contribute to the consultation process can respond. It’s clear from the tone of this document – and the way in which the questions are framed – that the Government are only interested in “consulting” those who agree with them that squatting is a “problem”. If you don’t think that squatting necessarily is the real problem, you may want to make the Government aware of your opinions. Here we provide a set of guidelines for answering the questionnaire. Download these notes in PDF format.
Consultation launched: Campaigners condemn “criminalisation of the homeless”
The government has announced its consultation into criminalising squatting. Housing charities, MPs, squatters, property consultants, activists, lawyers and artists are working on diverse campaigns to oppose the government plans.
Today, a coalition of groups met in parliament for the second time to discuss opposition to this legislation. In their parliamentary briefing SQUASH outlined how the legislation may be unworkable in law, unenforceable by the police and unaffordable to the public purse. Read More »
Campaign in motion but government consultation imminent
It was good to meet so many of you at the Squash launch event in May. What a reassuring gathering of people opposed to the criminalisation of squatting, and chaired expertly by John McDonnell, thank you.
At the event Catherine Sacks-Jones of Crisis gave a powerful insight into the realities of squatting for the hidden-homeless in England and Wales. Paul Palmer provided the facts about empty properties and the speculators who do well out of them. Read More »
Squash campaign launched
The Squash launch event took place at the Houses of Parliament on the 18th of May. Presentations were made by Crisis, the Empty Homes Agency, the Advisory Service for Squatters and Squash. We discussed the squatting population, why this legislation is being put forward, and the financial, juridical and social costs of implementation.
Perhaps most alarming were anecdotes about the reality of squatting as a crucial safety net for the most vulnerable members of society. It’s striking that the government’s plans would criminalise those already facing desperate circumstances.
All in all, the event proved that there is a broad range of concerned voices now actively looking at this matter.
Squash also used the event to launch our Parliamentary Briefing.
Our next public meeting is being planned for mid-late July. This will be an opportunity to hear and share opinions on the government’s proposals, meet others who are thinking about them, and prepare for the consultation exercise that the government says is coming. We will update you when a date is confirmed.
Over the coming months, you can expect to hear much more from us. We will continue to make the case for secure housing and cast an eye over occurrences in this critical debate.
In the meantime, follow us on Twitter and please pass word of the Squash campaign.