We ensure that the Human Rights Act 1998, Equality Act 2010 and other related legislation has been complied with. We also make enquiries about the general health and welfare of the group and the children’s education.
We recognise that these rights need to be balanced with the rights of other residents to enjoy our open spaces. All Gypsies and Travellers are protected from discrimination by the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998. Gypsies and Romany gypsies have been part of our communities for hundreds of years, with Irish travellers having been here in the UK for over 150 years. Like other minority groups, they have their own language, traditions and customs that guide their way of life, and which have passed down through generations.
According to the 2011 census, there were 198 gypsies and Irish travellers in Luton.
Luton has 26 traveller pitches located in St Thomas's road in Stopsley.
Dealing with unauthorised encampments
Upon receiving a report of an encampment within Luton, we will conduct checks to establish ownership of the land camped on.
If the land is privately owned, then the responsibility is that of the land owner, who will be informed of the presence of the encampment where possible. We will give advice as to available options if requested by the land owner.
If an encampment occupies council owned land before we can remove them we must:
- show that the unauthorised encampment is on the land without consent
- make enquiries regarding the general health, welfare and children's education
- ensure that the Human Rights Acts 1998 has been fully complied with
- follow a set procedure in terms of proving ownership of land and details of the illegal encampment that will enable us to successfully obtain the necessary authority from the courts to order the those in the encampment to leave the site
We will make every attempt to visit the encampment within one working day to conduct an initial visit process and assessment.
Where possible, we will make every effort to negotiate a leaving date, as well as making agreements for dealing with domestic waste. Domestic waste sacks may be handed out to the occupants.
Powers available to the council
If you would like to find out the most recent information GOV.UK provide information to local authority officers, police and landowners on options for dealing with incidents of unauthorised camping.
Read unauthorised encampments: using enforcement powers
Report unauthorised encampments
You can report an unauthorised encampment by calling the council. Outside of these hours, please report encampments to Bedfordshire police 101.
An assessment is carried out to establish the encampments:
- health
- educational
- social needs
A decision can then be made as how to manage the encampment. If deemed appropriate, we will liaise with our legal services department and instruct them to commence legal action to evict the encampment if necessary.
Allegations of criminal damage are a matter for the police to investigate and for The Crown Prosecution Service to prosecute. Any queries in relation to this should therefore be directed to the police.
Telephone: 01582 510333