From the Lifesure Group
New plans proposed by the Welsh Government could see Gypsies and Travellers awarded the same rights as other static caravan owners.
One of the major changes would be the introduction of a requirement for councils to prove to a court that they are justified in evicting a family before they can act on it. Currently, anyone living on a council-run site can be removed following a 28 day notice period. The proposals also involve changes to the conditions attached to living on a council pitch; including how pitch fees are to be handled, how pitches can be transferred between owners and new rules for resolving disputes.
Equalities Minister, Jane Hutt, has explained the thinking behind the proposals, as a public consultation is launched. “We want to change the law in Wales to make sure that Gypsies and travellers are protected from unfair eviction from their homes,” said Hutt, “We plan to make councils fully explain to the court why they think a Gypsy or Traveller should be evicted from one of their sites. If the court disagrees, the family won’t be evicted.” She continued: “By strengthening the rights of Gypsies and travellers we can make sure that Gypsies’ and Travellers’ human rights are protected and that they are not unfairly evicted”. “We are also making sure that councils are able to manage sites well, so that everyone who lives on these sites is treated fairly.”
The public consultation will be open until the end of March.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.