No More Squatters Rights

Almost 70 suspected squatters have been brought before the courts in the year since it became a crime, figures show.  The data, obtained from the Crown Prosecution Service under the Freedom of Information Act, revealed that 69 people were charged. Many of those found guilty were handed fines, usually of around £100, while others were given conditional discharges. One person received a jail term of 90 days.  Announcing the new law, which came into effect on 1 September last year, the government said it would “end the misery of squatting”. Many commentators feared that people who were unable to pay rising rent prices would find themselves affected.  Read more on the Independent website.