Who can enter your home without a warrant?
Council staff have the power to snoop around homes in Lincolnshire, without permission, it has been revealed.
Suspicions of illegal hypnotism and the existence of plants without passports are just two of the reasons council staff can enter homes without permission.
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who's knocking at your door? Some officials can enter your home without the police or your permission.
The information has been brought to light by national campaign group, Big Brother Watch which submitted Freedom of Information Requests to all councils in the UK.
And there are 21 people working in various departments at the City of Lincoln Council who at any time, can enter private property without a warrant or police escort.
And among other things, they have the power to check whether hedges are too high, under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 and whether residents have the required passport for their plants – Plant Health Order 2005.
West Lindsey District Council has 41 members of staff who can exercise the powers and North Kesteven District Council has 34.
Chief executive of West Lindsey said: "It could be that a Council needs to inspect a building that is in danger of collapse that could literally put someone's life at risk or there could be a pest infestation that is so severe that neighbours' lives are being made a misery.
11 Comments
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by Martin, Lincoln
Wednesday, December 30 2009, 6:41PM
“Pat, why not report it to the council instead of moaning on this website you daft biddy?
To answer the headline...anyone who really wants to.”
by lynn, lincoln
Wednesday, December 30 2009, 6:24PM
“A 'bugging' device is already installed in my house, it's called a husband!”
by Will, The Shire
Wednesday, December 30 2009, 3:18PM
“I'm going to start a conspiracy theory just because I can:
This legislation is only in effect so that spies can enter your house disguised as council officials and plant bugging equipment!”
by felinfan, City
Wednesday, December 30 2009, 2:44PM
“Powers to enter may be legitimate sometimes, but to prevent abuse, the person asking for access should have to apply to a magistrate for an official signed document stating the reason. That way, there would be a measure of reassurance for the homeowner. They should also be badged and provide a freephone line to Council ofices for confirmation of their legitimacy.”
by Pat, Lincoln
Wednesday, December 30 2009, 2:37PM
“If the Council have the authority to check the height of hedges etc. why don't they come and check around St Giles area. Particullarly at the end of Austen Walk with overhanging conifer trees etc.”
by Spoon, Lincoln
Wednesday, December 30 2009, 12:10PM
“I love this article. At no point does it mention that these "council" powers were created as part of the largest government lawmaking package the country has ever seen. Central government has made new laws for all sorts of things that take away personal liberty whilst giving away large swaths of responsibility to the EU. The councils didn't go asking for these changes they were just given to them.”
by Deborah, Lincoln
Wednesday, December 30 2009, 11:51AM
“Can someone direct me to the plant passport office please?”
by steve, Lincoln
Wednesday, December 30 2009, 9:51AM
“It's one thing to say they have the power of entry and another entirely to execute it. In the modern age of bogus callers, especially targetting vulnerable people - unless accompanied by a court warrant or a police officer, most people wouldn't allow someone with a council ID to just walk in. I don't have an issue with appropriate officials gaining entry for reasons of public safety, however, the local government needs to highlight to their constituents, exactly who can enter a property, or the police will end up being called every time - probably for assault on a council official!”
by Mick, Saxilby
Wednesday, December 30 2009, 9:30AM
“I wonder if this story is related to a similar article which appeared in the Daily Mail on 28th December?”
by Ian, Lincoln
Wednesday, December 30 2009, 9:01AM
“What is the fuss about? Most of these rights of entry seem to be comonsense, that is things that may affect the safety of the community and enviroment.
I think the whole thing is a bit of trouble making by a bunch of conspiracy theorists. What they haven¿t said is that the electric, gas and water companies also have a statutory right of entry to private property, and they are not even government officials. But there again, their powers can only be exercised if there is potential risk to life and limb.
Sometimes there is too much interference and intrusion by the state but this is not one of them.”