Gypsies and Travellers are protected from discrimination by the Race Relations Act 1976 and the Human Rights Act 1998, together with all ethnic groups who have a particular culture, language or values. The following information sets out how we and other official agencies will work to try to balance the rights of all those involved.

Working in partnership, the councils and the police in Dorset have signed up to a joint protocol which is intended to ensure a corporate and agreed response to unauthorised traveller encampments. The partners to the protocol agree to deal with each case of unauthorised camping according to the situation that arises and the needs of all concerned including residents in the settled community, tourists, business partners and travellers.

The Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Service operated by Dorset County Council helps local councils, the police, local landowners and the Gypsy and Traveller community in this partnership working. Their pages also give answers to frequently asked questions about unauthorised encampments.

The Government now requires local authorities to plan more positively for new Gypsy and Traveller sites where it is shown that they are needed. The process is starting with new planning policy for the South West region which will establish the number of new pitches that will be needed in each local authority area. More information can be found in the Gypsy & Traveller Policy 2003 [784kb] [PDF] (opens in a new window).

• Gypsies and Travellers - frequently asked questions

  Residents often ask why the council and the police do not evict Gypsies and Travellers as soon as they arrive on a public open space or other land. Here are some frequently asked questions which we hope will explain why.

• Gypsy and Traveller Liaison Service

  Sensitive management and effective solutions.

• New planning policy for gypsies and travellers

  Why is new planning policy needed?

• Dorset-wide Gypsy and Traveller pitch allocations

  All nine local authorities in Dorset are joining together to meet the future needs for authorised Gypsy and Traveller pitches across the county.