Unauthorised encampments

When an unauthorised encampment is reported, Council Officers and the Police are required by law to assess the needs of those persons who are on the site, prior to any potential formal action.

Checks are made on:

• the tidiness of the site
• whether the roads or public rights of way have been blocked
• the level of disruption to residents and businesses
• any other activity reported to the Police or Council.

Moving unauthorised encampments

We will consider each case. The site will be visited and every effort made to ensure that persons who have encamped keep the site tidy and do not cause any public health problems.

Before we can move people on, we must:

• show they are on the land without permission
• check on their general health, welfare and children's education
• make sure the Human Rights Act 1998 has been considered
• follow a set procedure to gain evidence for an eviction order through the courts

The time all this takes will vary, depending on each case and the court dates available.

The courts will not grant an order if they believe there is a legitimate reason why persons involved in the encampment need to stay on the site, or if we have not properly checked on their health and welfare.