Birmingham City Council has abandoned its 'negotiated stopping' pilot scheme, which aimed to provide temporary sites for the travelling community, despite a sharp increase in unauthorised encampments across the city. The decision follows a year-long search that failed to identify enough suitable locations.
Rise in Unauthorised Encampments
Council data reveals that officers dealt with 132 unauthorised encampments comprising 2,280 caravans in the 2025/26 financial year. This represents a 43% increase in encampments and a 75% rise in caravans compared to the previous year, when there were 92 encampments and 1,308 caravans. The figures highlight growing pressure on the council to manage unauthorised stays.
Pilot Scheme Scrapped
The 'negotiated stopping' programme would have allowed travellers to use unused council land for short-term stays, with agreed conditions on duration and amenities. However, the council confirmed it 'has not been possible to identify enough suitable sites' after months of searching. Issues included geographical spread, site accessibility, and the impact on neighbouring amenities. Areas such as Sutton Coldfield and Bartley Green have recently seen unauthorised caravans.
Independent councillor Sam Forsyth criticised the lack of progress, stating: 'The reality seems to be we don't have enough legal sites in this city.' He described the situation as 'a festering sore in this city for years and years'.
New Approach and Transit Site
Paul Langford, executive director of City Housing, said the council is now focusing on building trust with communities. 'We're working closely with communities and partners to better understand needs, challenge misconceptions and build a service we can be proud of,' he stated. The Proctor Street transit site has been reopened to provide managed accommodation for travellers. A West Midlands-wide consultation on future provision is expected in late 2026.
The council's shift in strategy comes amid ongoing tensions over unauthorised encampments, with local residents and councillors calling for more permanent solutions.
