Campaigners protest outside DCLG

Travellers and Gypsies groups today delivered hundreds of postcards to the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) in protest about plans to redefine the word ‘Traveller’.

The groups are angry about government plans, which are out for consultation until Monday, which will redefine ‘Traveller’ as somebody who actually travels.

Campaigners argue this will mean settled Travellers will no longer have their needs adequately assessed. The campaigners delivered the postcards to DCLG and protested outside the department’s London offices.
The DCLG argues the move will create more fairness in the planning system and protect ‘sensitive areas and the green belt’. It says the proposals ‘would ensure the planning system applies fairly and equally to both settled and Traveller communities.’