This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Unauthorised camping by Gypsy/Travellers
01/03/2004
Revised guidelines for managing unauthorised camping by
Gypsy/Travellers have been published for consultation.
The
consultation sets out draft proposals for local
authorities and police forces to consider when developing
and implementing a strategy on unauthorised camping.
The guidelines aim to encourage local authorities and
police to continue to work together to develop strategies
for dealing with unauthorised camping, taking into account
the rights and responsibilities of both the Gypsy/Traveller
and settled communities.
Its basic principles are that any policies should seek
to minimise disruption for all concerned and that the same
standards of behaviour are expected from all members of the
community.
The consultation looks at issues such as site provision,
access to services for Gypsy/Travellers, communication
between local authorities and Gypsy/Travellers and dealing
with waste disposal and other environmental issues.
Deputy Minister for Communities Mary Mulligan said:
"It is always a matter for local discretion to decide
whether it is appropriate to evict an unauthorised
encampment. I expect councils and the police to use their
powers in a humane and compassionate way. We are building
strong links with Gypsy/Traveller community.
"The publication of the guidelines also reflects one of
the recommendations from the enquiry by the Equal
Opportunities Committee into Gypsy/Travellers, namely that
national guidelines should be prepared on the management of
unauthorised camping."
The guidelines are a result of a working group, which
comprised representatives from CoSLA, ACPOS and the
Scottish Executive.
The guidelines build on the existing advice contained
in the Ninth Term Report of the Advisory Committee on
Scotland's Travelling People which was published in 2001.
The guidelines reflect changes in legislation, such as the
Race Relation (Amendment) Act 2000, and the Human Rights
Act 1998.
During 2000-2001, the Equal Opportunities Committee
carried out an enquiry into Gypsy/Travellers and public
sector policies. There were 37 recommendations, and an
update on the Executive response to the committee will be
issued later this year. The initial response is available
at
http:/www.scotland.gov.uk/library3/government/gtoctober-00.asp