Memorandum by Madeleine Midgley (DHB 42)
HOUSING BILL
AND TRAVELLERS
I understand that a Housing Bill will be making
its way through the House of Commons later this year. I strongly
believe that the accommodation needs of Travellers should be addressed
in the Bill, and I would like to take this opportunity to register
my view with the ODPM Select Committee.
The current situation facing Travellers as far
as site accommodation is concerned is, and has long been, dire.
Since the passing of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act
1994, which ended the statutory duty for local authorities to
create sites, more and more Travellers have been forced to camp
illegally, enduring appalling physical hardships, lack of access
to the most basic facilities and services, and growing hostility
on the part of the settled community. Left to the discretion of
local authorities. The provision of legal site accommodation is
hardly likely to increase; action at central government level,
developing out of genuine consultation with Travellers, is required
to effect real and lasting change. I hope, therefore, that the
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Select Committee for
the Housing Bill will give this issue their attention.
Madeleine Midgley
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