Royal Assent was granted to the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 on 1 May. The main focus of the Act is to limit the scope of the state to make and keep records, but it also includes other measures.
The implication of the Act for HAs will be outlawing private sector car clamping. Any immobilisation device attached to a vehicle (or trailer, caravan etc) is now illegal – unless conducted or contracted by a law enforcement agency. The only lawful way to stop cars parking on private land is to use a barrier. Other measures that may cross paths with housing include restrictions on public authorities to enter private dwellings and use CCTV – details of both are to be to published by the Government after consultation.