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Councils to use 'Al Capone' powers on small-time offenders
Paul Waugh, Deputy Political Editor28 Oct 2009
Councils are to get police-style "Al Capone" powers to search homes, seize cash and freeze bank accounts.
The powers - so-called because they were designed to hit the pockets of crime barons - will be extended to town halls next week by Home Secretary Alan Johnson.
Fare dodgers, families in council tax arrears and other minor offenders will face inquiries by council officers and Transport for London. The extension of the Proceeds of Crime Act, which came via a statutory instrument that was not debated by Parliament, today came under fire from police.
Police Federation chairman Paul McKeever said he was shocked at the "creep" of "intrusive powers" designed for criminal investigations. "The Proceeds of Crime Act is a very powerful tool and it shouldn't be treated lightly," he said. Councils have come under attack for using anti-terror laws to spy on householders who fail to recycle correctly.
A Home Office spokesman said: "Seizing ill-gotten gains is a key part of the fight against criminals - whether it is small offences or organised crime."
Reader views (12)
The country is going rapidly down the tubes, and I'm afraid ours if following quickly. Our president plays golf while the troops die...
- Trunk, US, 29/10/2009 03:59
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Trading Standards Officers, for example, deal with damgerous toys, pirate DVDs and any and every variety of dangerous and forged goods. Do you want thoese crimes tackled effectively, or not?
- Alan Griffiths, Forest Gate, LONDON. UK, 28/10/2009 23:49
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Reuben Camara is 100% correct.
Yet another far-reaching power slides in without a proper debate by MPs.
Why, in point of fact, do we still have this part-time debating club as Brussels legislates in ever more diverse areas ?
Why not turn the Houses of Parliament into shoddily-converted, highly-priced, executive flats overlooking the Thames and let our MEPs do some work for a change ?
The country didn't exactly come to a standstill while our "honourable" MPs swanned off on their little summer holidays so would anyone notice any difference if their holidays became permanent ?
- Realistic, London, UK., 28/10/2009 22:40
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There will be one or two test cases and this act will fall down. Alos the next government must have a wholesale review of much of the UK legislation. Where acts have been passed through to combat terrorists it should not be used for litter offences
- Very Very Angry At Paying Tax For Mp'S Expeses, Home Counties, 28/10/2009 18:53
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No, this won't work. There isn't a single instance of extraordinary power being made available to local authorities that has not been used other than what it was intended for. I don't see this working any different.
- Rogan, Irving, 28/10/2009 17:42
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Whatever happened to presumption of innocence and the right to a fair trial? Isn't this one of the things that the NuLabour hypocrites chastice 3rd World countries about? I find it frightening that Local Cuncils will have the power to enter my home or access my bank account if they think I'm behind with Council Tax payments. Even the Inland Revenue need a court order.
- Mark, London, 28/10/2009 14:43
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Welcome to the future; all citizens must live in fear from the invisible authorities who have total power over their lives.
- Jules_London, london, 28/10/2009 13:32
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I'm waiting for the first case to be taken to court stating that it breeches their "human rights".
- Bob, Cheam, 28/10/2009 13:06
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Another legacy of Blair/Bruin!
- Tojo, Hythe, Kent, 28/10/2009 12:22
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What an idiotic decision, councils have proven countless times over, that they are useless and incompetent at nearly everthing they do.
It's like they have the kiss of death with anything they touch, they should never have been given these extra powers.
- P Staker, London, 28/10/2009 10:49
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'.. shocked at the "creep" of "intrusive powers" ..'
Welcome to the 21st Century in UK-SSR under Labour.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 28/10/2009 10:27
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The Proceeds of Crime Act was not debated in Parliament.
That sounds about right for Third World banana republic Police State bankrupt cesspit UK.
- Reuben Camara, Morecambe Compound, EUSSR, 28/10/2009 10:18
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