It looks like there’s been some progress on Traveller sites over the last few months.
The Government is consulting on its new National Planning Policy Framework, which now includes Planning Policy for Traveller Sites . There are some positive proposals but a few that may make things more difficult for Travellers. The document is 123 pages long with 225 questions, so Friends, Families and Travellers have prepared a short survey dealing with the issues concerning Traveller sites. All Gypsies, Romani and Travellers can take part in the survey here.
The deadline for responses to the Government’s consultation is 10th March 2026 and for the short survey is TODAY.
There’s also other good news with the Government pushing to remove one of the harshest anti-Traveller provisions of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (PCSCA), following a Declaration of Incompatibility by the High Court. The PCSCA gave police a range of additional powers targeting encampments, including the power to ban Gypsies and Travellers from an area for up to 12 months under sections 60C, 61 and 62A of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. Now, the government has tabled an amendment to its Crime and Policing Bill, to convert the 12-month ban back to the original 3 months – which, at least is an improvement.
Finally, we hope to see some progress from Southwark Council on our local Traveller sites in the next few months. Come along to STAG’s Hustings event on Wednesday 11th March 6:30 – 8:00pm (at SGTO, 19 Buller Close, London SE15 6JU) to ask local Councillor candidates about:
- Re-opening Springtide Close site
- Refurbishing the Burnhill Close and Brideale Close sites
- Any other issues that affect you in Southwark
You can book a place by e-mailing Alison (manager@southwarktravellersaction.org.uk) or e-mailing or texting 0774 553 9629.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there.
