Gypsy and Traveller sites announced

The government has announced more than 40 new and refurbished Gypsy and Traveller sites across England. Iain Wright, communities minister, announced six new sites and 37 extended or refurbished ones to help create homes for up to 25,000 Gypsies and Travellers. The sites are part of a £21 million scheme aimed at tackling the housing crisis within the community, and to help reduce the annual bill faced by local councils that are forced to evict Travellers from illegal sites. People living on the sites will pay rent and council tax and in return councils will provide rubbish collection, running water, electricity and other services.