Traveller site guidance calls on councils to work together

Councils are being urged to work together to deal with unauthorised traveller sites in new Scottish Government guidance.

The updated guidelines said the management of the sites should not be seen as a “purely local issue” and local authorities should look at sharing information and “closer working” on responses to unapproved sites.

The government said the new advice is “clearer and more practical” and balances gypsy/traveller rights to their traditional way of life with the need for responsibility and regard for others.

The guidance states: “Management of unauthorised sites should not be seen as purely a local issue as gypsy/travellers will move across local authority boundaries as they travel.

“Local authorities should therefore consider ways to facilitate cross boundary co-operation.

“Such co-operation should look not only at sharing information but also at closer working on responses to unauthorised sites, particularly in areas that have traditional gypsy/traveller routes.

“This might involve partnership working and sharing of local knowledge, expertise and the costs associated with any new approaches to managing unauthorised sites.”

The guidelines are based on the key aims that unapproved sites should be managed to “minimise disruption” and the same standards of behaviour are expected from travellers and from people living near the sites.

Local government minister Kevin Stewart said: “We are working toward a Scotland where the benefits of a multi-cultural country are recognised and celebrated and gypsy/travellers are a valued part of our diverse society.

“Gypsy/travellers have a right to their traditional way of life but that right must be exercised responsibly and balanced against the rights of the wider community.

“This revised guidance supports that approach.”

Councillor Harry McGuigan, community wellbeing spokesman for the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities, welcomed the new guidance.

He said: “Drawing on the knowledge and expertise within local authorities, and the views of gypsy/traveller communities, has strengthened this guidance and set out clear roles, rights and responsibilities for all those involved with unauthorised sites.”