Council delays temporary traveller site plans

A council has confirmed plans to introduce temporary sites for travellers as part of a pilot scheme have been pushed back.

Birmingham City Council said it was still committed to introducing a "negotiated stopping" programme, which would involve an unused piece of land being used by the travelling community for short-term stays.

But the Labour-run authority said potential stopping sites were still being identified which has delayed consultation ahead of the pilot, planned to start in June, to later this year.

Work on this pilot started amid the council's ongoing difficulties with its transit sites, which are authorised areas where travellers can be directed to when in the city.

The transit sites typically provide hard-standing for caravans, a secure boundary and basic sanitary provision, while some also provide electricity.

However, reports have shown one of the council's two transit sites had seen repeated damage and vandalism while another has been home to "long-term occupants".

Amid this backdrop, caravans have been spotted at city parks and recreation grounds in a number of areas in recent weeks, including in Yardley, Kings Heath and Billesley.

A council public protection committee heard in March that a consultation about where the stopping sites were proposed would take place in April and May this year.

The pilot would then have started in June.

But the council confirmed on Thursday sites "to direct gypsies and travellers to for short-term stays" were still being located.

"Council officers are working to identify potential sites to be taken forward for consultation with local ward members, communities and businesses where the sites are being proposed," a council spokesperson said.

A council report acknowledged earlier this year the existing provision in Birmingham does not meet the "minimum pitch provision needs" of the travelling community.

It added there was no allocated budget for the management of the existing transit sites.

The council is therefore going ahead with the negotiated stopping trial to see if the situation can be improved when it comes to unauthorised encampments.

"The use of unauthorised encampments presents significant costs to the council, both in terms of managing and moving on sites and remediation to damage and refuse left following an encampment," it stated.

Its report added the negotiated stopping approach was "favoured by Gypsy Traveller communities as it provides a balanced and sensitive approach" and offered more flexibility.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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