Tackling unauthorised encampments and other issues

Unauthorised encampments can sometimes lead to concerns about public safety, mainly if they involve large groups or impact public spaces such as parks, playgrounds, or roads. Parish and town councils play a vital role in addressing unauthorised encampments and related issues to maintain community safety, promote social cohesion, and protect public spaces. They can take proactive steps to ensure the community remains safe while balancing the rights and needs of residents and those in the encampments.

Here are a few ideas of how parish and town councils can tackle unauthorised encampments and related issues:

Promote long-term solutions — Parish and town councils can advocate for longer-term solutions to the root causes of unauthorised encampments by working with principal authorities to develop comprehensive policies and supporting social integration initiatives to reduce the stigma.
Consider the broader impact on community spaces — Parish and town councils should assess how unauthorised encampments affect the use of public spaces and community resources. For example, restoring public land after an encampment has moved can involve clean-up operations, waste disposal, or repairing damaged facilities.
Provide timely communication with residents — Keeping the local community informed about unauthorised encampments and how they are being addressed helps manage tensions and prevent misinformation from spreading. Parish and town councils can issue regular updates through newsletters, websites, or social media, explaining the steps to resolve the issue and engaging with residents through public meetings or consultations to hear their concerns and keep them informed of developments.
Facilitate dialogue with encampment occupants — Open communication with people living in unauthorised encampments can help de-escalate tensions and foster understanding. Parish and town councils can initiate contact with encampment occupants, conveying community concerns while respecting their rights. Signpost support services, such as healthcare, housing advice, or sanitation resources, where appropriate. Act as intermediaries between the community and occupants to resolve issues constructively, minimising conflict and finding solutions.
Support lawful eviction processes — Where necessary, parish and town councils can support lawful eviction processes initiated by the principal authority or landowners. This could include assisting with evidence gathering on the impacts of the encampment, ensuring proper legal processes are followed so that both the council and occupants understand their rights and obligations, and encouraging police involvement where public order or safety is at risk, but ensuring this is done in a measured and respectful manner.
Using designated sites — Many parish and town councils provide designated legal sites for temporary encampments, offering proper sanitation and facilities. Parish and town councils can liaise with principal authorities to ensure adequate and accessible sites for those seeking temporary accommodation, raise awareness about the existence of these sites to encourage their use rather than unauthorised settlements and work with the community to support the development of more designated sites if demand exceeds capacity, reducing the likelihood of unauthorised encampments.

Useful links