Commentary on Sections Part 4.Special Procedures Section 85 - Warrant to enter dwelling
173.If access to premises which are wholly or mainly used as a dwelling is necessary for the enforcement of this Part of the Act, a written application must be made by the local authority to a justice of the peace. Section 85 enables a justice of the peace to issue a warrant, thereby authorising an authorised officer to enter the dwelling, if needs be by force. A warrant can be issued in a format other than a hard copy document, such as an electronic version. The warrant will be in force for 28 days beginning on the date it was signed by the justice of the peace. This section also applies to a vehicle.