Written question asked by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 6 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 May 2003. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 May 2003 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what action he plans to take to require local authorities to provide sites for travellers and gypsies; which authority in areas with two tiers of local government is responsible for (a) the location, (b) the financing and (c) the management and maintenance of sites; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to Department of Environment Circular 1/94 'Gypsy Sites and Planning'.

Answer: Bob Russell: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what action he plans to take to require local authorities to provide sites for travellers and gypsies; which authority in areas with two tiers of local government is responsible for (a) the location, (b) the financing and (c) the management and maintenance of sites; and if he will make a statement. [112407] Mr. McNulty: Local Authorities have discretionary powers to provide sites based on need within their area. The Government has no immediate plans to change this. Planning policies concerning the provision of suitable locations for Gypsy sites, whether local authority provided or private, is set out in the Department of Environment Circular 1/94 `Gypsy Sites and Planning'. The Government does not, however, specify who should take the lead in site provision issues in areas where there are two tiers of Local Government.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 112407; 405 c175-6W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Caravan sites Finance Local government Location Repairs and maintenance Travellers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk