BY DR BEN SPENCER MP
The issue of unauthorised encampments has been high profile in recent weeks due to recent incursions in Weybridge. These encampments haves affected many towns and villages in recent years and it is important that we not only strengthen powers to tackle illegal encampments, but also ensure provision of legal traveller sites.
Unauthorised encampments can often cause significant disruption to local communities, and where they prevent access to open spaces, or where there is suspected illegal or antisocial behaviour, authorities should move swiftly to address this. In doing so they must balance this with their duty to engage with the occupants and determine their circumstances. This often puts our police and local authorities in a difficult position, and I know often action is not taken quickly enough. I therefore welcome the new Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Bill, which will bring in new laws to increase police powers, introducing a new criminal offence where a person resides on public or private land without permission, causing significant harm, obstruction, harassment or distress. In addition, when an encampment is moved on, the period in which they must not return is extended from three to twelve months. I will be supporting the introduction of these changes through the House of Commons.
Alongside stronger enforcement of criminal behaviour, and it is important to note that this applies to only a small criminal minority, we must also ensure that legal sites and support is available for travellers. I continue to support efforts by all Surrey Districts and Boroughs, supported by Surrey County Council, to establish a transit site which will enable unauthorised encampments to be moved on more quickly. A site for this has been identified in Tandridge and a planning application is due to be submitted shortly.