Should Squatters have rights? Poll Results/Discussion

harryhound

chunkymunky wrote: »

such a naieve out look when it comes to theft of property there are no shades of grey only black and white, a theif is a theif, unless you wanna compare squatters to robin hood!

I would compare some squatters and trespassers to Robin Hood; if it were not for their "illegal" actions in the past, you would still be a serf.

("You can stick the red flag....................I've got the foreman's job at last?)

WilfB

Let's take a step back to look at some of the issues. I think most people would find the following uncontentious:1) There is too little accommodation available.2) Filling the gap through new construction alone would cause considerable problems in terms of infrastructure/environment.3) Therefore, we must make the best use possible of existing buildings (whether currently designed for residential use or not)This might be slightly more contentious:4) Given 1-3 above, owners of long-term vacant buildings have a moral responsibility to put them to good useNow for my tuppence-worth:5) Councils should be given powers to at least strongly encourage owners to carry out this moral duty. Currently, no council tax is payable on vacant buildings. I would argue for the creation of a 'vacant buildings' tax equal to at least 150% of the council tax for the equivalent building, with this money earmarked for social housing. I would also argue for the power for councils to repossess buildings vacant over the long term, to sell them and keep the change, and to use this money for social housing as well.This way, we can increase the supply of 'legitimate' accommodation whilst avildign all the problems inherent in squatting.

kathyb1230

oops, double post

kathyb1230

guppy wrote: »

Also can anyone actually post a link to a news story of someone having returned from holiday to find their furnished house squatted? Seems a bit far fetched...

not quite what you were after, but I remember seeing this do the rounds when it first made the press.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=389944&in_page_id=1770

who knows what actually was written in the contract, but I can't believe that people thought it was appropriate to kick the owners out of their own house while contesting the final bill!

Freefall

nej wrote: »

It should be treated as trespassing, pure and simple.

It is treated as trespassing but trespassing isn't a criminal offence (i.e illegal) in itself in England. However, trespassing is unlawful in England,

Trespassing also isn't a criminal offence, itself, in Scotland; however, squatting is a criminal offence in Scotland.

Freefall

harryhound wrote: »

I believe that if we all had our
share we would have about half an acre each).

My calculations come to just over 1 acre... including rivers.

Freefall

harryhound wrote: »

Life on benefits is quite acceptable if you pay nothing for the roof over you head, perhaps your place was actually being sublet by the head squatter:rolleyes:

Actually most of those on benefits, such as income support, will be entitled to full Housing Benefit, etc.

sarahlouise210

I am amazed at the liberal attitude of some to squatters in this thread. I wonder how many would advocate squatting if they came home and found squatters themselves??? If I work hard and buy a property I expect to be able to do as I wish with it - if that means that for 2 months I stay elsewhere then so be it..why should I have to rent it out to secure it from squatters? The property is mine and as such I should be able to use it as I wish..not in a way that suits others. If I have managed to get myself a job and therefore a property with a disability , then so can others. If someone squats in a property then it is theft- pure and simple. I would not care if they were clean and tidy and planted a rose bush ..if they moved in my home then I want them OUT !! I cant honestly believe anyone who says they would not mind if squatters moved in as long as they left when asked ....WHAT ????
Perhaps we could provide an internet shop for them too to stock the fridge????

harryhound

Freefall wrote: »

My calculations come to just over 1 acre... including rivers.

Are you adding Scotland to England & Wales ?
I was rather excluding the acres and acres of granite moorland - not very suitable for squatting.
That said, some of the more rabid posters on this thread need to find themselves with a crofter on their land. They would be wishing they had a English squatter, at least you can get rid of a squatter!

custardy

personally i dont understand why the squatting law still stands.
thankfully not an issue north of the border