SQUATTING LAW UPDATE The long-awaited regulations for the new court procedures against squatting are finally coming thru on August 24th, and theyÕre a massive climbdown from HowardÕs rant to the Tory faithful about wiping out squatting. The new Interim Possession Order (IPO) hearings are not going to be "ex-parte" - meaning we can go along, file an affidavit (a statement - thereÕs even a simple form to fill in) and answer questions about it. The opposition will not see the statement till afterwards, which gives us more scope. Unfortunately you still have less notice of the court case (only 48 hours minimum) and if an IPO is granted you could get nicked for not moving out within 24 hours of the order being served. But the landlords should have to promise in court not to do anything to the premises or your possessions till a later, full court case, which is a terrible infringement of property rights and makes it a bit pointless from their perspective. If they do try to use the new procedures there'll be plenty to argue about in court and weÕre bound to understand it better than them as usual. Have a word with ASS on 0171 359 8814. Squatting is still legal, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun!!!