Government to crack down on unauthorised Traveller sites

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has announced plans to give councils more powers to tackle unauthorised Traveller sites.

The Government plans to revoke Whitehall planning circulars on travellers, which require planning authorities to take into account the accommodation needs of travellers and gypsies.

The government is hoping to expand the provision of Traveller sites and to include them in a new homes bonus scheme whereby local authorities will be paid for properties they allow to be built in their area.

In addition to this, Travellers who are on official sites will be given the same rights and responsibilities as residents of other mobile home parks, meaning they will have greater protection against being evicted.