HC Deb 27 January 2003 vol 398 cc627-8W
Bob Russell

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what his policy is on the provision of permanent sites for travellers; and what action he will take to ensure that all local authorities provide such sites where there is a need. [93109]

Mr. McNulty

Local authorities have a power to provide Gypsy and Traveller sites within their areas.

The Government continues to issue guidelines to local authorities reminding them of their need to establish both permanent and temporary sites with adequate facilities for Gypsies and Travellers who pass through their areas on a regular basis.

In order to assist with provision, the 2003–04 round of the current Gypsy Sites Refurbishment Grant has been extended to provide funding for transit sites and emergency stopping places as well as to continue to refurbish existing sites.

Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he will issue additional planning policy guidance to make it easier for local authorities to obtain planning permission for local authority sites for travellers. [92954]

Mr. McNulty

The procedures dealing with development undertaken by local authorities are contained in the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1992. Guidance on the regulations is given in DOE Circular 19/92. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has no plans to issue further guidance.

Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister if he plans to impose a duty on local authorities to provide suitable sites for travellers. [92955]

Mr. McNulty

There are no current plans to reintroduce the statutory duty placed on local authorities to provide gipsy and traveller sites in their areas.

Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what means he plans to make available to(a) private and (b) public landowners to remove travellers from unauthorised encampments more easily if local authorities have been (i) unable and (ii) unwilling to provide suitable sites for travellers. [92956]

Mr. McNulty

The Home Office are proposing to introduce new police powers to manage unauthorised encampments, but these powers will be used only if the local authority has provided alternative site provision for gipsies and travellers.

If no alternative local authority sites are available then the existing powers under Sections 61 to 62 and 77 to 79 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 will still be available to police and local authorities to remove travellers.

Private landowners will also be able to go through the civil courts for the recovery of their land under Orders 24 and 113.