Local authorities will be given new powers to force Gypsies and Travellers off unauthorised sites under government plans announced on Monday.

Housing minister Keith Hill said the “temporary stop” notice would give councils the power to halt any unauthorised development and building work and force caravans to move.

If Gypsies and Travellers refused to comply, they could be brought before a magistrate and fined several thousand pounds.

The ODPM also announced that councils would be able to apply for grants to build authorised sites.

The Conservative, who last week said they would amend the Human Rights Act to prevent illegal sites, said the proposals were “too little too late”.

The ODPM has launched an eight-week public consultation on the temporary stop notice.

Source

Housing Today

Postscript

Read the consultation at www.planning.odpm.gov.uk