Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps her Department is taking to improve co-ordination between local authorities and the police in relation to (a) unauthorised traveller encampments and (b) unauthorised traveller development.

The Government expects police and local planning authorities to work proactively and collaboratively to respond to unauthorised encampments and unauthorised developments. Decisions on operational coordination and enforcement are a matter for the police and local authorities, who are best placed to determine the most appropriate response.

Home Office statutory guidance on unauthorised encampments encourages police forces to work closely with local authorities when considering enforcement powers.

The Home Office continues to engage with policing partners and other government departments on matters related to unauthorised encampments.