§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will consult Members of both Houses who spoke in the debates on the Criminal Justice Act 1996 on a draft of the good practice guide on how local authorities deal with unauthorised encampments. [HL2316]
§ Baroness HaymanThe draft good practice on unauthorised camping has been prepared in consultation with a range of local authorities, representatives of 47WA travellers and the police. In addition, my department has consulted other government departments, and we propose to have another round of consultation shortly, with practitioners (including, for example, those concerned with traveller education and health issues) and others. We consider that this will ensure that the good practice, as published, will have a level of validity which reflects the views and experiences both of those dealing with unauthorised camping, and of the campers themselves.
The Government have no plans to extend the consultation exercise further.