DCLG issues guidance on tackling anti-social behaviour associated with gypsies and travellers

The Department for Communities and Local Government and the Home Office this week issued guidance for local authorities on dealing with anti-social behaviour associated with gypsies and travellers.

The government said: “As with all communities only a small minority of gypsies and travellers behave anti-socially and their mobile lifestyle can exacerbate this – but perceptions that the community is not dealt with the same as other communities damage public confidence about fair treatment for all.”

The guidance sets out the powers available for councils, the police and other agencies, including anti-social behaviour orders, acceptable behaviour contracts and injunctions.

It also covers:

• Various aspects of anti-social behaviour
• Policing and prevention
• Fly tipping and waste management issues
• Noise nuisance, and
• Straying livestock.

The DCLG highlighted the importance of agencies working together to apply the same rules to gypsies and travellers when gathering evidence, prosecuting and collecting fines.

The guidance is intended to be used in conjunction with other existing guidance documents in relation to unauthorised encampments, unauthorised development of caravan sites, and designing and managing gypsy and traveller sites.

Communities Secretary John Denham said: “Everyone has the right to expect to live in neighbourhoods that are free from anti-social behaviour – whether it is unruly neighbours, aggressive gangs or mindless vandals.

“While much has been achieved there are still communities where such behaviour causes real misery. Everyone has responsibilities and rights and no one should receive preferential treatment. Local authorities and the police have strong powers and tools to crack down on anti-social behaviour – and I expect them to be used to the full.”

The independent Task Group on Site Provision and Enforcement for Gypsies and Travellers, which includes gypsy and traveller representation, welcomed the guidance.

Sir Brian Briscoe, chair of the task group, said: “I hope that this guidance will help local authorities, the police and other agencies to address the issues of anti-social behaviour related to gypsies and travellers, whether they are the victims or the perpetrators of such behaviour.”

A copy of the guidance can be downloaded here.