[Pyramid*]

Originally Posted by MTVN

As I conceded I don't know how they'd collect it so how can I answer? I'm no council tax expert, I merely searched online and found out that they are liable to pay council tax, you can't dismiss that just by being sceptical of how that will be collected

I didn't bother answering your example because it was stupid straw man; because owning a car and actually having a roof over your head are the same thing I'm not going to defend someone taking your car because a car is not a necessity, if someone doesnt own one then its not that big a deal; being homeless is a very different matter

You havent exactly proved me wrong with that copy and paste from wiki, the article is on the whole very positive; "derelict buildings were completely rebuilt by the squatters...buildings were demolished and most were badly damaged but were rebuilt again by the residents. The residents of St Agnes paid all utility bills and for several years were run by a housing cooperative. One resident of St.Agnes, on Lambeth's housing list for eighteen years, forced to squat with children was never offered housing by the council".

And then it lists all the positive services that the squatting community offered, a hell of a lot more than the council offered or was offered by empty, derelict properties



You're going to equate squatting with rape? Seriously?

the car comparison was a perfect example of one person owing property, and paying for it's upkeep - but not using it. It is EXACTLY the same principle.

I appreciate you said you weren't sure how the council would collect council tax/water rates from squatters .... what you may have missed during the posts back and forward, is the fact a very great many do not get paid - because the squatters move on - leaving the unpaid bills behind. The result of that - is every honest tax payer out there - having to cough up more and more every year to help recoope such abuse of services and financial losses of this nature. That then impacts strongly on the every day person out there, who go work hard, come home, pay their housing costs, council tax, water rates etc...... and really struggle hard to do so - because of ever increasing costs due to people like squatter not paying their way and taking a free ride on society.

Out of the thousands and thousands of squatters, with respect: if you think one sob story started way back in the late 60's - with people building / restoring a few buildings (21 I think without checking back) - not for the good of the community: but for their own good ....... no one elses - their own good. One story like that because they paid their utility bill but stole property (and the land it stood on....), sorry, it aint going to wash with me.

As for you highlighting the ONE resident who was never offered accomodation by Lambeth council.... have you looked into the reasons why? Am pretty sure they didn't take one look and say, "nah sorry doll.... brunettes aren't getting houses this decade". If she was that desperate, why didn't she apply to some other council....