To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what guidance her Department gives to chief police officers on dealing with illegal Traveller encampments; and if she will make a statement.

New Government guidance was issued jointly by the Department of Communities and Local Government, Home Office and the Ministry of Justice in March 2015. This was sent under cover of a joint ministerial letter to council leaders, chief constables and police and crime commissioners highlighting the range of powers available when dealing with illegal and unauthorised encampments.

Both documents can be found online at:

Cover letter:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/unauthorised-encampments

Dealing with illegal and unauthorised encampments - A summary of available powers:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/dealing-with-illegal-and-unauthorised-encampments

I will place a copy of these documents in the library of the House.