To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the recommendations of the July 2018 report of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission entitled Pressing for Progress, if he will take steps to (a) replace the current definition of Gypsies and Travellers in the Government's policy paper Planning policy for traveller sites with the definition in the Housing Act 2004 and (b) reintroduce the duty on local authorities to provide sites for Gypsies and Travellers.
Answered on
19 September 2018
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published a consultation earlier this year alongside the Home Office and Ministry of Justice, in order to seek views on the effectiveness of powers for dealing with unauthorised development and encampments. Views were sought on a range of related issues, including planning for travellers and site provision. The consultation closed on 15 June, with over 2,000 responses received. We are currently considering the responses to this consultation, alongside those submitted in response to the recent consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework, before deciding on next steps. We will announce a way forward in due course.