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Government to review unauthorised caravan site powers
Ministers have announced a review of police and council powers to deal with unauthorised Traveller sites.
Illegal caravan sites can cause “significant distress” for both settled and travelling communities, the government said.
According to official figures, 16% of caravans – around 3,700 – are located on unauthorised sites.
A government spokesperson said evidence commissioned by the National Inclusion Health Board shows that living on these encampments can have a negative impact on healthcare and education, and surrounding residents often complain of anti-social behaviour and fly-tipping.
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Housing minister Dominic Raab said: “The vast majority of the travelling community are decent and law-abiding people. But, we are particularly concerned about illegal Traveller encampments, and some of the anti-social behaviour they can give rise to.
“We must promote a tolerant society and make sure there are legal sites available for Travellers, but equally the rule of law must be applied to everyone.”
The government has opened a consultation on police and local authority powers, court processes and barriers to the provision of authorised sites.
The consultation will run until 15 June.
Helen Jones, chief executive of Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange, said: “For the benefit of all communities in the UK, whether affected directly or indirectly, we sincerely hope that the government is open to hearing from all and will not close its ears to the ‘good news’ of positive outcomes already being achieved by effective and compassionate management of unauthorised encampment using powers already available.
“We further sincerely hope that the government will demonstrate nationally the type of political courage and leadership which is already delivering results at the local level and which avoids using sensitive and difficult issues as tub-thumping fodder for electioneering.”
Update: at 9.41am, 05/04/18 A comment from Helen Jones was added to the story.
