More authorised Gypsy sites needed

More authorised sites for Gypsies and Travellers are needed to tackle the problem of unauthorised sites in inappropriate areas, the government said yesterday (Thursday).

New guidance on planning and enforcement to address the shortage of authorised sites and strengthen enforcement against problem sites was unveiled by housing and planning minister Yvette Cooper.

A task group has been set up and this will drawn together the Local Government Association, Association of Chief Police Officers and other agencies to address the variations in the use of enforcement powers and to establish a guide to best practice.

Three quarters of Gypsy and Traveller sites are authorised but the government wants to clamp down on the problem sites where there is antisocial behaviour.