By Travellers on unauthorised land in North Lincolnshire rising
There were around 20 caravans on unauthorised sites in North Lincolnshire this year, following campaigners aiming to increase site provisions for Gypsy and Travellers across England.
The figures from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities have shown that 19 caravans were on land not owned by travellers.
“Overall, the January 2022 count indicated that 88% of traveller caravans in England were on authorised land and that 12% were on unauthorised land.”
“Overall, the number of unauthorised caravans reported in the January 2022 count was slightly higher (an increase of 32 caravans) than the number reported in January 2020.
“The number of caravans reported on unauthorised developments on land owned by travellers was 2,377. This is an increase of 267 (13%) compared to the January 2020 count figure of 2,110.
“The increase stems from a rise in caravans on sites on land owned by Travellers, counteracting a slight decrease in the number of unauthorised caravans on sites not owned by Travellers.”
The figures emulate a 27% rise from the 2020 count, referring to caravans on unauthorised sites.
“The growth in the number of caravans since the January 2020 count has been led mainly by a rise in the number of private caravans (with permanent planning permission), resulting in an increase in the total authorised caravans despite a reported decrease in socially rented caravans.”
The Families and Travellers (FFT) have launched the ‘Oak Project’, a partnership that intends to increase site provisions across England for Gypsy and Traveller people.
The three-year partnership aims to help improve planning policy on Traveller accommodation and address issues surrounding the community as a whole.
FFT has said currently there is a “chronic lack of adequate site provision” leading to the pitches on unauthorised land.
Michelle Gavin, FFT’s business development manager said: “The Oak Project presents an excellent opportunity to bring key stakeholders to the table, and bridge the gap between Gypsy, Roma, Traveller civil society, and housing providers.
“Thanks to the Oak Foundation, this three-year partnership will help improve the supply and access to affordable homes for Gypsy and Traveller families.”
(Image: Olena Segrienko)
