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.
-
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
View all
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.”