Call for end to empty London 2nd homes, as anti-squat law comes into force

[mark at tlio.org.uk]

On the day before anti-squatting legislation comes into force in 
England & Wales which housing experts and homeless charities are 
denouncing because the effect of the change is likely to see an 
increase in homelessness, Lib Dem Deputy Simon Hughes calls for an end 
to empty London second homes, citing a recent Smith Institute report 
which reveals that in the first half of 2011, 60% of newly built 
property in central London was bought by overseas investors. The 
report also says that anecdotal evidence reveals that many of these 
house are kept empty.

Read the report here: 
http://www.smith-institute.org.uk/file/London%20for%20Sale.pdf

See also: Global investors pile into London property
By Lorrie Fay, BBC online, 07/12/2011
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15971292


Charities fear end of 'squatters' rights' could lead to big rise in 
homelessness
The Guardian, 31st Aug 2012
Ref: 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/aug/31/charities-end-squatters-rights-homelessness

Squatting law to commence 1st September: 
http://www.squashcampaign.org/2012/08/squatting-law-to-commence-1st-september/

September 1st – what happens now?: http://www.squatter.org.uk/

Building Resistance
organising opposition to new anti-squat law
Ref: http://www.schnews.org.uk/stories/Building-Resistance/

Homeless campaigners in Birmingham squat council house
Ref: http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/08/499393.html


Background: http://www.tlio.org.uk/Govt-antisquattinglaw