50,000 people said to be squatting in the UK
- The Ministry of Justice thinks there could be anything from 12,000 to 50,000 people squatting in the UK.
- In 2011 there were 790 trespass or possession orders granted by the courts.
- The MOJ estimates that under the new legislation (when squatting becomes a criminal offence) between 350 to 2,000 people a year will be prosecuted.
- If convicted of squatting they may face a prison sentence of up to 6 months or a maximum fine of £5,000.
- The MOJ also has funds of £160 million to try and get 10,700 empty homes back into use - so that theyre not vulnerable to squatters.
- Legislation applies to England and Wales only.
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