A study commissioned by Squash (Squatters’ Action for Secure Homes) has challenged government estimates that effectively criminalising squatting will cost only £25m over five years.
Taking into account the housing benefit that people currently squatting would claim if barred from squatting, the ongoing costs of prosecuting squatters, and the cost of rehabilitating squatters who become rough sleepers, Squash estimates that the most likely annual cost of criminalisation is between £316m and £790m over five years, rather than £25m.
The Squash report was endorsed by Sheffield university professor of human geography Danny Dorling.
www.squashcampaign.org
Topics: Housing