The legislation has caused great controversy. Those protecting the rights of people whose properties have been occupied say the change from civil to criminal offence is long overdue. While charities working with homeless people are worried the new law will lead to more people living on the streets.
A campaign group which represents squatters in Brighton has issued an open invitation to people from Europe to squat in the city. 'The Squatters Network of Brighton' says the invitation is part of the protest against a campaign by Hove MP Mike Weatherly to criminalise squatting.