To regulate powers of entry and powers in relation to documents; and for connected purposes.
The Powers of Entry etc Bill aims to regulate and standardise powers to enter land, premises or property for the purposes of ascertaining whether an offence has been committed or whether the provisions of an Act of Parliament or secondary legislation have been complied with. It would also regulate the examination, production and seizure of objects, documents and electronic records. The Bill outlines the circumstances under which these powers would be exercisable, the obligations that would have to be met and which individuals would be allowed to exercise the powers.Lord Selsdon has previously introduced two versions of this Bill, most recently in the 2007–08 session of Parliament. This Bill passed through all stages in the House of Lords and was sent to the House of Commons. However, it did not receive a first reading in the House of Commons before the end of that parliamentary session.Key areasPowers of entry would only be exercisable if the appropriate order had been sought following an application from an authorised person, and only then in accordance with specific conditions, such as that entry could only occur at certain times of the day and by no more than four persons.Those entering a property would have to clearly identify themselves to the occupants and identity the reason for their entry.Powers for the seizure of documents would only be exercised if the appropriate orders had been obtained, and those in possession of the documents had been notified. If the documents in question were provided in accordance with the terms of the notification, then no order for seizure could be made.
House of Lords
13 April 2010
The Powers of Entry etc. Bill would set clear, standard rules for when officials may enter land, premises or property to check for offences or compliance with laws, and for examining, producing and seizing objects, documents and electronic records. It requires proper orders, limits on who can enter, and requires identification and a stated reason for entry, with notification rules before any seizure of documents.
The bill is currently at the 3rd reading in the House of Lords. A similar version in 2007–08 passed the Lords but did not receive a first reading in the Commons in that session.
Generated 21 February 2026
Third reading - the final chance for the Lords to change the Bill - took place on 6 April and no amendments were made.
The 2009-10 session of parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
