§ Mr. LepperTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions what assessment his Department has made of the response by local authorities to the guidance given in Department of the Environment Circular 1/94 requiring local planning authorities to assess the need for gipsy accommodation in their areas; and if he will make a statement. [49469]
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§ Mr. RaynsfordMy Department part funded research by the Advisory Council for the Education of Romany and other Travellers (ACERT) which examined local authority development plans to assess the adequacy of Gipsy policies. Their report,A directory of planning for Gypsy site provisions in England, revealed some gaps in local authorities' compliance with Circular 1/94. My officials have written to all chief planning officers, on 27 May, reminding local planning authorities of the advice in Circular 1/94. Their attention was particularly drawn to the requirement to assess the need for Gipsy accommodation in their areas and to ensure that adequate Gipsy site provision was made in their development plans. A copy of the letter will be placed in the House Library.