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