25 September 2003
JOHN SPELLAR LAUNCHES CONSULTATION PAPER ON CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED ENCAMPMENTS
A consultation paper and equality impact assessment on proposals for control of unauthorised encampments was launched today by the Rt. Hon John Spellar MP, the Minister with responsibility for Social Development.
The purpose of the consultation paper is to seek comments on the proposal to introduce legislation to control unauthorised encampments. Announcing details of the consultation exercise, the Minister said: "Unauthorised encampments have long been a cause of complaint from both members of the public and elected representatives. This consultation paper stems from a report by a Working Party set up by the then Minister for Social Development, Maurice Morrow, to consider the whole issue of unauthorised encampments.
"The Working Party looked at the extent and causes of unauthorised encampments. They also considered the effectiveness of current legislation and the position in GB and the Republic of Ireland.
"They found that current legislation is inadequate and recommended that enforcement powers should be strengthened. The Department for Social Development has accepted the recommendations in the report and this is an opportunity for interested parties to let the Department know what they think about these proposals.
"I look forward to receiving comments on these proposals from a wide range of interests," the Minister concluded.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
www.dsdni.gov.uk
- The closing date for comments on the consultation paper and equality impact assessment is Friday 16 January 2004.
- Copies of the consultation paper are available from the address below and from the Department’s web site
Comments should be sent to the Special Programmes Branch, 3rd Floor, Brookmount Buildings. 42 Fountain Street, Belfast. BT1 5EE. Responses may also be made by e-mail to: Special.programmes@dsdni.gov.uk
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