The Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders bill, currently still making its way through the House of Lords, includes provisions that will make the act of trespassing with the intention to squat (using the building for accommodation), a criminal offence.

In recent years there have been a number of high profile cases where properties have fallen into the hands of squatters. This will make squatting less attractive as those doing it will know it is criminal. The proposed penalties include prison for up to 51 weeks and a fine of up to £5,000.

The new law will only apply to residential squatting but will include situations where one squatter “allows” another to enter the building. Let’s hope this change makes squatting less of a problem.