Impact for flats unclear as satellite TV declared “a human right”

In a case brought against the Swedish Government, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled that preventing people from using a satellite dish is a breach of human rights such as the right to freedom of expression and the right to practice religion. Many blocks of flats in the UK have clauses in their leases which prevent the installation of satellite dishes by individual leaseholders, and consequently communal tv systems are often provided. Bob Smytherman, Chairman of the FPRA, said: “...this decision has thrown the contentious issues of tv in blocks into complete disarray for which we are urgently trying to seek clarification...”. These words were echoed by Grant Shapps MP, the Housing Minister, who described the decision as driving a “horse and cart” through planning laws. In response, the Equality and Human Rights Commission has published new guidance for landlords who now risk being sued for enforcing “no satellite dish” clauses.