Speaking up for a fair London Plan

February 21, 2019

On Friday 15th February LGT took part in the London Plan examination debate on the Mayor’s policy on Gypsy and Traveller accommodation. This marked a very important stage in our work to campaign for a fair and strong policy that would see new sites being built in London.

The debate on the proposed London Plan policy was chaired by an independent planning inspector whose task is to consider the different points of view from the Mayor, councils, community organisations and other participants and make recommendations for possible changes. The inspector’s report will be published later this summer.

There was strong representation from Travelling communities at the debate with powerful speakers from LGT, the London Gypsy and Traveller Forum, the Showmen’s Guild and National Bargee Travellers Association. They presented arguments about the failure of authorities to make provision for their needs and the exclusion and inequality this is causing.

Other organisations including Just Space, Trust for London, Mobile Homes Investment and Peabody Housing Association gave evidence in support of the needs of Travellers and stronger leadership from the Mayor on the delivery of sites.

Group photo in chambers

One of the key topics was the Mayor’s definition for Travellers in the London Plan, which includes all members of the community, whether they live on sites or housing, to have their need for pitches counted. Because the London Plan has to be in line with national policy which excludes Travellers who have permanently stopped travelling for work, supporters of the new definition had to argue why London is different. There was opposition to the Mayor’s definition from the three Councils attending the debate – Camden, Hillingdon and Bromley.

There was also a good discussion on whether accommodation needs assessments should be done by each Borough separately or all together at the London wide level and whether the Plan makes the right provision for temporary stopping places, the accommodation needs of Showmen and Bargee Travellers. The community and other organisations put forward proposals on how to improve the policy.

Reflecting on the day and her experience speaking at the examination, Mena Mongan, LGT Community Engagement Officer, said:
“A very powerful debate from all organisations getting together to push the Mayor’s office on the delivery of sites for the future generations to come. We found it quite challenging to put our points across to the GLA who holds the power to make the London Plan fairer and stronger. We back the Mayor’s definition for Gypsies and Travellers. But we feel the Mayor needs to challenge the Councils to make sure all diverse communities across London are welcome in their plans and seen as equal priorities.”

Mena and Marian at Eip

 

Join us for more updates about the London Plan examination and what comes next at the London Gypsy and Traveller Forum meeting on Tuesday 26th February, 10.30am-12.30pm at City Hall.

Pictured above: Community and supporters after the London Plan examination; Mena Mongan and Marian Mahoney speaking at the debate

 

 

More news

LGT’s impact marked in report and new film

February 12, 2024

LGT’s achievements over 25 years as an independent charity are marked in its 2023 Annual Report and a new film charting the organisation’s history and impact. “Throughout this time, LGT has consistently fought for equality and against discrimination, and been dedicated to keeping Gypsies and Travellers included in the decisions that affect them,” writes Helena …

Should we have a day to celebrate Irish Travellers?

November 30, 2023

Travellers and their organisations in Ireland and the UK have met to discuss plans to create an international day to celebrate the rich heritage and culture of Irish Travellers. “We are proposing an annual opportunity to raise awareness of the rich cultural traditions and heritage of our people,” said Mena Mongan of London Gypsies and …

Wide injunctions ruled legal but rarely justifiable

November 29, 2023

The Supreme Court has ruled that wide injunctions have a negative impact on the ability of Gypsies and Travellers to pursue a nomadic way of life. But it has also rejected an appeal lodged by London Gypsies and Travellers, Friends, Families and Travellers (FFT) and Derbyshire Gypsy Liaison Group (DGLG) in relation to the granting of wide …