Birmingham City Council has abandoned a pilot scheme designed to address unauthorised traveller encampments, citing an inability to identify enough suitable locations across the city. The decision comes amid a significant increase in illegal camps on green spaces and parks, which have incurred clean-up costs for taxpayers and disrupted nearby residents.
What Was the Negotiated Stopping Pilot?
The council had proposed a 'negotiated stopping' programme, which would have allowed the travelling community to use unused pieces of land for short-term stays. This was intended to alleviate pressure on the city's limited permanent transit sites, such as the one at Proctor Street, which has suffered repeated damage and vandalism.
Why Was the Pilot Axed?
After months of work, the council confirmed this month that the pilot would not proceed because “it has not been possible to identify enough suitable sites”. Factors considered included geographical spread, site size, accessibility, and impact on neighbouring amenities.
Independent councillor Sam Forsyth commented last year: “The reality seems to be we don’t have enough legal sites in this city so we are scrabbling around trying to find other pieces of land where we can put the GRT community. We have a disadvantaged community on one hand not being served because the sites aren’t there and we have residents who are constantly being let down.”
Impact on the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Community
The council acknowledged a “big increase” in unauthorised encampments last year, a trend that has continued into this year. The lack of legal sites has left the GRT community underserved, while residents face recurring disruption. The council stated: “Officers continue to support colleagues in Housing with regards to the Proctor Street Transit Site, including working with newly appointed housing officers who have the dedicated role of supporting the GRT community and providing management to the transit site.”
Next Steps
A new review on unauthorised encampments is underway, with results expected in the new financial year. The council hopes this will provide a more sustainable approach to managing the issue.
