How are unauthorised encampments managed on Local Authority land?
The site will be visited as a matter of urgency. Checks are made on the tidiness of the site, the level of disruption to local residents/businesses and an assessment of any obstruction of highways or public rights of way, as well as any activity the Police or others may have reported to them. As a legal requirement any humanitarian or welfare considerations are taken into account. If the occupants are behaving in an acceptable manner and the site is being kept tidy and if the code of conduct is complied with unauthorised encampments may be tolerated for a short time in line with Government advice. If there is evidence of anti-social behaviour, there is a presumption towards eviction. If the decision is taken to evict we would seek to negotiate a mutually acceptable deadline for unauthorised encampers to move by. This method is normally quicker and less costly than taking formal legal action. If that fails, there are powers that the Police and Local Authorities can use. These are subjec
