Eric Pickles MP visits Conservatives Abroad

UK Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government visited the Costa del Sol.

The Right Honourable Eric Pickles MP was the after dinner speaker at the Valparaiso Restaurant in Mijas for the Conservatives Abroad.

He answered a number of questions but perhaps the most pertinent to those living in Spain is that of squatting and the absolute lack of owner’s rights regarding their property.

Many residents here live in fear that on returning to the UK their homes may be illegally occupied and then having the long drawn out and expensive process of the squatters removal quite apart from damage caused.

It was thought that the Coalition had done nothing to address the issue especially after both David Cameron and Ken Clarke said that action would be taken during the election campaign.

Mr Pickles promised that this is an issue that will be dealt with and has the “support of the Liberal Democrats”.

In regards to the issue surrounding expatriates who have bought properties which have turned out to be illegal. Mr Pickles advises them to “seek redress through the Spanish courts” for which he has “high regard.”

“If Spain tried to interfere with UK property law it would not be appreciated, so likewise we will not interfere.”