Another Day, Another Extension of State Power
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Local councils are to be granted powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act, allowing them to seize the assets of minor offenders. Given their record of abusing the powers of the Prevention of Terrorism Act we can surely expect even more heavy-handed and inappropriate enforcement by local bureaucrats and pencil-pushers.
The most scandalous thing, however, is that this further extension of state power will be achieved by government decree. Alan Johnson, the Home Secretary, is to increase the scope of the Proceeds of Crime Act by Statutory Instrument - which means that it will not be debated in Parliament.