Squatting is an excellent thing to do, says Green mayoral candidate

Green mayoral candidate Jenny Jones sparked anger today by supporting squatters occupying empty homes across the capital.

The London Assembly member said squatting was "an excellent thing to do" as long as property was not damaged - and even suggested that moving into vacant properties was one way of tackling the housing shortage.

Recent occupations of several costly properties in London have left owners in some affluent areas too scared to go on holiday in case their homes are targeted. But housing committee chairwoman Ms Jones opposes government plans to make the practice illegal.

"We've got this huge mess waiting to explode," she said. "People talk about building more houses and yet we're almost at the point where it has got away from us. We can't build enough houses. We have to think about different ways of solving the problem.

"There are different sorts of squatting. I've seen squatted buildings that were due for demolition. They were left empty for years and people used them for events. I don't have a problem with that."

Ms Jones called for local authorities to be given greater powers on empty properties, using compulsory purchase orders to bring derelict homes back into use. Figures produced by housing charity Empty Homes show that in 2009 there were about 83,000 vacant houses across London.

Housing minister Grant Shapps said: "I am shocked and appalled that anyone would think squatting an 'excellent' thing to do in London, particularly someone who aspires to be Mayor."

Chris Norris, policy manager at the National Landlords Association, said: "One can't deny there is a shortfall of affordable housing. What we disagree with quite strongly is that squatting is the answer. We don't want to see people taking it upon themselves to occupy empty properties."
Homelessness charity Crisis stressed that squatting was a last resort for many and said the Government's plans risked criminalising vulnerable people.

The group's chief executive Leslie Morphy said: "While for some squatting may be a lifestyle choice, for homeless people this couldn't be further from the truth."