Gypsies and travellers

Gypsies and travellers have always been a part of our community. Over the recent years many of the traditional stopping places have been lost and this has led to a growing conflict between the settled community and gypsies and travellers seeking a place to stay.

Constantly moving on gypsy/traveller families is seen as rather a blunt instrument for dealing with unauthorised encampments. Our greater awareness of nomadism and our aim to embrace diversity within our community requires us to look for more creative solutions.

Plymouth City Council’s approach

Plymouth is working hard to develop a workable solution to what is often both an emotive and sensitive issue. We work closely with our adjoining counties to develop a productive and proactive approach.

The City Council aims to find solutions through negotiation and liaison, using legal action as a last resort. Everyone wants a solution but we must all be a part of that solution.

Responsibilities

All public bodies are required to take into account issues of health, education and welfare of those encamped and balance this against the 'level of nuisance' created by the encampment. Unauthorised camping is often dealt with as a joint approach between Plymouth City Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Devon Travellers Education Service, and the National Health Service.

Documents

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	Gypsy and traveller myth buster issue 1 - briefing note on frequently asked questions about gypsies and travellers. File format Adobe Acrobat (pdf) - 110KB
	Gypsy and traveller culture - an explanation of the culture of gypsy and travellers way of life. File format Adobe Acrobat (pdf) - 161KB
	Devon wide gypsy and traveller housing needs assessment - the final report on the devonwide gypsy and traveller housing needs assessment. File format Adobe Acrobat (pdf) - 2827KB
	Spaces and places for gypsies and travellers - how planning can help. File format Adobe Acrobat (pdf) - 306KB