Ministers are hoping to pass a law which will make squatting in commercial property sites illegal.
Squatting on residential sites is now illegal since it was made a criminal offence in summer 2012. If a squatter is found in a home, the maximum penalty could be a £5,000 fine, or six months in jail, or both. Ministers have now suggested that it makes no sense for squatting to remain legal in office blocks.
Hove Conservative MP Mike Weatherley, who helped to push the residential squatting law, said to the London Evening Standard: “As a result of the success of the legislation regarding residential property, squatters have moved to targeting commercial property in greater numbers."
It has now emerged that justice secretary Chris Grayling has written to other MPs in order to gain full backing for such a law that would drive squatters out of offices and even pubs.
According to the London Evening Standard, a source close to Mr Grayling has revealed that he will be now collecting evidence to see how bad the problem is. Only then will he decide whether there is enough evidence to extend the criminal offence into offices. If Mr Grayling does choose to put legislation into place, a law could be added to the Justice Bill later this year.
London in particular has seen many of its commercial properties targeted by those who do not have a home. As the law remains inconsistent when it comes to squatting, industrial experts are asking for further transparency by removing a distinction between the residential and commercial sectors.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman added: “We recognise that squatting can also have a serious impact on non–residential property owners and we are continuing to monitor this situation closely.”
It is yet to be seen what the future steps will be regarding this issue.