Caravan Sites Bill 2011

In 1962 Eric Lubbock , of the then Liberals, was elected MP for Orpington in a by-election in the safe Conservative seat. He obtained a 22% swing. This amazing result led to him being dubbed the Orpington Man. In 1968 Mr Lubbock produced another rabbit from the hat in the form of the Caravan Sites Bill which, equally amazingly, began as a private members bill sponsored by him which gained government support. The Caravan Sites Act 1968, which contained a duty on local authorities to provide sites, led to the creation of the 350 local authority Gypsy/Traveller sites that now exist in England. But since the repeal of the duty to provide sites this figure has remained static.

The obvious answer to the ‘problem’ of unauthorised encampments and sites owned by Gypsies and Travellers where they don’t have the necessary planning permission is the provision of authorised sites. Despite this the Conservative MP Simon Kirby has actually introduced a bill to make the eviction powers of local authorities and the police even more draconian. Presumably this bill is intended to completely destroy the Gypsy and Traveller way of life.

The Caravan Sites Bill 2011 introduced by Lord Avebury (formerly Eric Lubbock MP), with its first reading on 30th November 2011, intends to re-introduce the duty on local authorities to provide or to facilitate the provision of sites. Lord Avebury stated;

“Gypsies and Travellers are still the most deprived of all communities in the UK, and this is partly because one in five of those who live in caravans are homeless. The formula that worked after 1968, reinforced by an obligation to grant enough planning permissions to eliminate the deficit, could make a big contribution towards their security and stability”.

For more information contact Chris Johnson of the Travellers Advice Team on 0121 685 8595 or by e-mail at chrisjohnson@communitylawpartnership.co.uk

Note from Chris Johnson:

Due to pressing engagements Lord Avebury had to put off the First Reading of the Bill until the 1st December. The First Reading is a formality and what is hoped for is a Second Reading where a proper debate doubtless involving other matters can be had. The aim is to get a Second Reading in the New Year.

Lord Avebury at the House of Lords with the winners of the Gypsy Roma Traveller History Month poster competition, June 2008