squatting

Date: 13th April '01

Name: thom

Country: london

i am currently working with the chair of a local tenants association to
prevent the wholesale eviction of several squatters on two estates in my area.

the council is intent at some unspecified future date to refurbish the flats
for use for council tenants. this is fine, but in the meantime they wish to
evict the squatters and seal the flats so they are no use to anyone.

the ta seeks to negotiate their right to temporary stay (the payment of
rent, etc) with the council.

a meeting with the squatters and the ta has taken place and they are willing
to enter into negotiations with the council for the purpose of temporary
stay under an agreement of rights and responsibilities (ie they pay some rent and curb some of the anti-social behaviour that has been associated with them and they get to live in peace without harrassment from either the council or the police and get some repairs done).

this seems like a solution that could keep everyone happy, but the council are intent on taking court action to kick them out anyway. surprise, surprise.

i know RA have some firm views on anti-social behaviour, unlike the rest of the liberal left, but also have a libertarian philosophy under-pinning their politics.

so, what about squatting? anyone out there got any views/advice that may be of help?

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