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
May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.
This Bill would bring together and standardise the government’s powers to enter land or buildings and to seize or demand copies of documents. It would require a code of practice guiding entry, including notice periods, identification and conduct, and it would limit how many officials can enter and when. It also restricts the power to seize or compel production of documents or electronic records and specifically excludes police officers, officers of the Security or Intelligence Services, and HM Revenue & Customs.
The Bill is currently at the 3rd reading stage in the Lords. It has completed the earlier stages (1st and 2nd readings, Committee, and Report stages) in 2007–2008.
Generated 21 February 2026
7 Nov 2007
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26 Jun 2008
10 Jul 2008
17 Jul 2008
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
