HC Deb 07 October 2003 vol 411 c184W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, if he will make it his policy to give local authorities the power to seize the assets of travellers who camp illegally in order to recoup the cost of clearing sites on their departure; what guidance he gives to local authorities; what plans he has(a) to alter this advice and (b) to propose amendments to the law; and if he will make a statement. [125984]

Yvette Cooper

There are no plans to give local authorities additional powers to seize the assets of illegally camped Gypsies and Travellers in order to recoup the cost of clearing sites. Local authorities if they choose to do so, are able to use their powers under Section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, to remove unauthorised campers from land.

The police are also able to use their powers under Section 62 of the same Act to seize and remove any vehicles parked on illegal sites if a Section 61 Direction has already been served, and the owners have failed to remove them.

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