A Bill to regulate powers of entry and powers in relation to documents; and for connected purposes.
The Bill aims to regulate and standardise powers to enter land or property. It also proposes to allow officials to seize or to compel production of documents. These are already available to officials under more than 150 specified Acts of Parliament. Lord Selsdon introduced a similar Bill in the parliamentary session 2005-06 but it was dropped. Key areasLimits are placed on the numbers of officials permitted to enter a premises and the times when entry may take placePower of entry may only be exercised in compliance with a code of practice. This specifies the term of notice that must be given, form of identification to be carried and the conduct of inspection or searchRestrictions are placed on powers to seize or compel production of documents or electronic recordsThe Bill does not apply to police officers, members of the Security or Intelligence Services or officers of HM Revenue & Customs.
House of Lords
25 February 2009
The Powers of Entry etc. Bill would create a single, standard framework for when officials can enter land or buildings and for demanding documents. It would cap how many officials can act at a premises, require entry to follow a code of practice (including notice, identification and conduct), and limit the seizure or compulsory production of documents or electronic records; the police and some security services are not covered by the bill.
The bill is at the Lords' Third Reading stage. It originated in the Lords.
Generated 21 February 2026
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
