Gypsy and traveller unauthorised encampments
Together with our partners, we have ways of managing these encampments and we so with due consideration of everyone in the encampment and the rest of the community.
We ensure that the Human Rights Act 1998, Equality Act 2010 and other related legislation has been complied with. We also make enquiries about the general health and welfare of the group and the children’s education.
We recognise that these rights need to be balanced with the rights of other residents to enjoy our open spaces.
All Gypsies and Travellers are protected from discrimination by the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998. Gypsies and Romany gypsies have been part of our communities for hundreds of years, with Irish travellers having been here in the UK for over 150 years. Like other minority groups, they have their own language, traditions and customs that guide their way of life, and which have passed down through generations.
According to the 2011 census, there were 198 gypsies and Irish travellers in Luton.
Luton has 26 traveller pitches located in St Thomas's road in Stopsley.