Section 144 (S144) of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill (LASPO) came into force on September 1st 2012. SQUASH, concerned about the lack of an impact analysis of the law’s effect, has decided to investigate, analyse and evaluate the direct and indirect consequences of S144.

Our findings, as well as highlighting the necessity of a broader impact assessment, depict a dramatic reality and indicate that any further extension of the scope of the law would have disastrous consequences. The report which is being launched in the House of Commons will be published here on our website on Monday 4th March 2013.

Relevant literature and reports on the current housing crisis, empty properties, homelessness and squatting in England and Wales have been used to provide a context for a wider analysis of the after-effects of S144.