Gypsies and Travellers and all other ethnic groups who have a particular culture, language or values, are protected from discrimination. This protection is in the form of the Race Relations Act 1976 as amended by the Race Relations [Amendment] Act 2000 and the Human Rights Act 1998.
The information below sets out how North Lincolnshire Council and other official agencies will work to try to balance the rights of all those involved.
Their way of life means that they travel the country, staying for various periods of time in different locations, in order to earn a living. This has been their way of life for many generations.
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No. If Gypsies and Travellers are camped on private land, it is usually the landowner's responsibility. The Government has advised that when Gypsies and Travellers are not causing a problem, the site may be tolerated.
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- Talk to the Gypsies and Travellers and identify any needs and see if a leaving date can be agreed.
- If a compromise cannot be reached, and you have no option, then you can take proceedings in the county court, under the Civil Procedure Rules 1998, to obtain a court order for their eviction. There must be a minimum of two clear days between service of documents and the court hearing.
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The landowner may have already obtained planning permission for a caravan site. He/she could be a farmer and the Gypsies and Travellers could be helping with fruit picking etc. However, in some circumstances the landowner could be in breach of the planning acts and the acts dealing with the licensing of caravan sites. You may wish to seek further advice from the council as we deal with illegal encampments. Tel: 01724 296785.
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If the landowner is in breach of any planning or licence requirements the council will take proceedings against him/her. The proceedings will require removal of the illegal encampment.
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No, the council must:
- Make enquiries regarding the general health, welfare and children's education;
- Ensure that the Human Rights Act 1998 has been fully complied with;
- Follow a set procedure in terms of proving ownership of land and details of the illegal encampment. This will enable the council to fully obtain the necessary authority from the courts to order the Gypsies and Travellers to leave the site.
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The council’s gypsy liaison officer will visit the Gypsies and Travellers to find out if they have any specific needs. These could be social (i.e. housing), health or educational needs. If such needs are identified these would have to be considered in any action taken by the council. The relevant authorities will be informed and consulted at all times.
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North Lincolnshire Council has recently commissioned the University of Salford to conduct an assessment of Gypsy and Traveller site needs in the area. Once this research has been completed the council will have a greater understanding of the requirements of this community, and will act upon the findings.
The council's Corporate Diversity team is currently working on developing a Gypsy and Traveller Strategy and would welcome input from anyone interested in supporting this community. To become involved please contact the Diversity team on: 01724 297301 or via email at diversity@northlincs.gov.uk.
The council's Education Diversity Service provides social, education, and welfare support to this community (more information below).
If you have any questions or would like more information please call: 01724 280207
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More information: