The Government is reviewing the law and powers to deal with unauthorised caravan sites. Unauthorised sites can cause distress such as anti-social behaviour, fly-tipping and noise, the Government admits. It points to evidence also shows that living on unauthorised sites can have a negative impact on people’s health and education.
Since 2010, the number of traveller caravans on authorised sites has increased. However latest figures show about 16pc of all caravans – around 3,700 – are on unauthorised sites.
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 is committed to taking action and is seeking views on what more can be done to ensure local authorities, the police and landowners can deal with unauthorised sites and developments efficiently.”
Ministers also want to hear about any barriers to the provision of authorised sites.
The consultation is being carried out jointly by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Home Office and Ministry of Justice. It covers police and local authority powers, court processes, government guidance, the provision of legal sites, and the impact on settled and nomadic communities. The consultation will run until Friday, June 15.
Pictured from the August 2016 print issue of Professional Security; an earth barrier at Rainham, Essex to keep travellers off an unoccupied business site. Rainham like other places around the UK has suffered from industrial-scale fly-tipping besides traveller camps.
