The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister says the policy was tried without success in the past.

The housing, local government and regions committee however believes that would be the only way to reverse a trend towards conflict between residents and travellers.

Is this the best way to stop tensions between unauthorised traveller encampments and local residents? Who should be responsible for resolving the disputes?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

SUGGEST A DEBATE This topic was suggested by Kyle, England: Should councils be forced to provide land for travellers? Send us your suggestions for Have Your Say debates

I don't see a problem with this. The council near to me in Newport Pagnell has provided a site for travellers and they have been there for well over 8 years now. There is no trouble; the land was waste land anyway so no one objected; the site is away from housing estates and it is kept clean and tidy. Because they have a site to stay on there are no other problems with travellers in the area. So it does work in some cases - don't let us tar all travellers with the same brush.
C Wright, Northants, UK

If the "powers that be" were half as keen to tax these groups (who seem to be able to afford fields, new 4x4 vehicles and expensive caravans) as they were to provide everything they could ever want at the taxpayers' expense there wouldn't be a problem with using some of that money to provide facilities. Instead they appear to pay nothing into society while taking everything they can out, and then people wonder why nobody wants them around.
Nige, England

Why do you allow your contributors to perpetuate the myth that these sites are provided free? The travellers pay rent and local tax on the same basis as any other resident.
PJ, W. Yorks, UK

A nomadic lifestyle, trading labour for wages around the country, is excellent, but it must be self-sufficient Tom Franklin, London, UK

I think a nomadic lifestyle, trading labour for wages around the country, is excellent, but it must be self-sufficient and not violate other's rights. Gypsies must earn and pay for their own sites. I pay for my home, services and roads, they must too since they live in a larger community as well as the small one with which they travel. Top of the range Mitsubushi Shoguns cost quite a bit of money.Tarmacing is an expensive service. Earn, pay tax, buy land and keep moving. But keep off other people's lands, it is immoral and violates ownership for any council to let these people squat on land that they do not own.
Tom Franklin, London, UK

Whilst I agree that those who do not contribute any taxes do not deserve to be taken care of, I think the same rule has to be applied to the many benefit claimants who have also never contributed any taxes. There are plenty more benefit cheats than Gypsies, the difference is their lifestyle is socially acceptable.
Jennifer, Netherlands, ex UK

Travellers expect all the benefits from society yet accept none of the responsibilities. Is it any wonder that the average person objects to a group of people who pay no taxes at all (and may not even be a legal resident of this country) receiving full benefits, health care and education? While being told that their own children can't get into a school of their choice and that they have to wait for an operation. Travellers by definition should "travel"- not expect to live in permanent sites at our expense.
Peter, Nottingham (U.K)

As a traveller, I don't see why I should pay taxes to a country that neither welcomes me or caters to my needs. Why should I contribute to a system which is weighted against me? Providing sites is a welcome first step in getting travellers integrated with local communities. Once this is achieved then I would consider paying a cut down version of council tax
RG, traveller

In reply to RG, the traveller, why should you contribute to a system that is weighted against you? Because it's the law, that's why. I have never been on the dole, I have never had a handout of any kind, I cannot get a dentist, I have not needed medical treatment for twenty years, I do not have a council house, so does that mean I can stop paying taxes, squat on other people's land and expect the council to clear up after me when I throw my rubbish all over the countryside?
Colin Morris, London, UK

When people go on holiday in caravans, they find a caravan site and pay for the time they are there. They don't just setup at the side of the road. Why should travellers not have to pay just because they decide to live in a caravan? They don't pay anything towards the community, such as council tax etc, so why should we pay for their living expenses? They should pay to stay on a campsite like the rest of us.
Damian Cox, Northamptonshire

If they pay for the service, they should benefit from it. If not, then no. Why should the greater society pay for anybody else's lifestyle choice?
Steve, Milton Keynes

I think it would be grossly unfair to allow Gypsies dedicated sites to camp on. As a number of other people have already pointed out, I am 28-years-old, and still have to get my foot onto the property ladder. For this reason, why should I as a tax payer, be unable to get my own home, whilst someone who contributes nothing to society could be handed a home on a plate?
Andy, Leeds, UK

Why? Travellers means just that - they want to travel Jo, Canterbury, Kent

Why? Travellers means just that - they want to travel. Not settle down anywhere specific. Why now do they want to settle down? If they do, let them buy normal houses etc like any other normal person.
Jo, Canterbury, Kent

These sites should be built and run as an independent non-profit trust, with money loaned by the government. The sites can then charge their users a reasonable fee for stopping there, to repay their loan to the government, cover running costs and also make a contribution to other public services. It's entirely reasonable for the users of such sites to pay a fee to cover its costs. And make it as difficult as possible to camp elsewhere.
Sean, Portsmouth, UK

Traveller incursions into local green spaces in our area have cost in the region of �60,000 per time to clear up. Building rubble, refuse, scrapped cars and untreated sewage are just some of the things these people leave behind. Hardly a way to earn respect, is it?
Mark, Feltham UK

It is only right for the government to force councils to provide sites for Gypsies if they also force the Gypsies to pay rent for using these sites. After all they force us to pay council tax for living in a particular area.
Peter, UK

The romantic ideal of the 'travelling gypsy' has long gone Jon R, Ashford, Kent

Gypsy camps must be the top of the nimby hitlist. I would do all in my power to prevent one in my area. The community lives largely in the 'grey economy' and cause the value of your house to plummet - this resentment cannot be ignored. The romantic ideal of the 'travelling gypsy' has long gone. They should be housed as part of the normal process, with the waiting lists and stress that is experienced by all others. This is another example of MPs not having a clue about how their electorate feels.
Jon R, Ashford, Kent, UK

If only we had a joined up Government that would realise that this is a symptom of the general overcrowding that is also leading to increased social disorder, frustration and an increasingly depressed population. We are chronically overpopulated yet the Government want to bring even more people in as immigrants. The South is going to be overwhelmed with housing. The impact on the travelling community which has brought this to a head now should be realised for what it is, it is not an isolated problem!
Simon Mallett, UK, Maidstone

It's about time this lifestyle was seen for what it is; a refusal to make any contribution to the nation you live in.
Chris, UK

Gypsies (the original ones) used to travel the country and earn the right to reside where they ended up as they would work hard and contribute the local community. Many travellers of today just want to have handouts from the government without any reciprocation of help from themselves. I feel we should help those who want to help themselves.
Fiona Joules, Telford England

If the Gypsies can keep the sites clean and tidy and away from any villages I don't see what the problem is.
Mo, Dartford, Kent

Surely it is quite simple? If I do not pay taxes, I am imprisoned for tax evasion. Travellers and Gypsies can continue their lifestyle - we can accommodate it - but they must make concessions - paying at least some form of tax, etc. No one else is allowed to totally shirk their societal responsibilities so why should an exception be made in this case?
Gareth Potter, London, UK

If those who oppose these measures have their way then we will all have the same problems in the years to come C Moore, Edinburgh, Scotland

Most travellers wish to settle down permanently. Most of the problems described by people here (and I have similar experiences) are caused by transient groups who are not allowed to settle long enough to become part of the community. It is in everyone's interest to help these people to overcome the difficulties which have been placed on them by years of discrimination and rejection. If those who oppose these measures have their way then we will all have the same problems in the years to come. It is the British middle class knack for cutting off its own nose to spite its face.
C Moore, Edinburgh, Scotland

These people have chosen to opt out of society. They have therefore opted out of any benefits that are associated with that society and ought not to receive any handouts, financial or otherwise, from those of use who pay our dues. If permanent sites were set up for them where they could pay rent and council tax for the period that they chose to be in residence it would be a step in the right direction. The question is would they be prepared to pay?
Steve, UK

I agree with both sides of the arguments. I believe that some of the travellers do try to keep where ever they stop tidy, but as with so many things there are some that spoil it for others. I don't agree with councils being forced to provide somewhere for them, but if it helps to reduce the cost of having to go to court to get them moved on, then surely the cost justifies the means.
Rob, UK

There are a lot of people in this country who contribute nothing to society but they get council houses and benefits. Why should Gypsies and travellers not be entitled to the same consideration? All they are asking for is a plot of land here and there which isn't that much. And before you ask, yes, I would be happy to have a Gypsy or traveller camp near me. Just because they are nomadic, it doesn't make them all thieves.
Vik, UK

You will not stop unauthorised encampments. I would rather we concentrate how we can supply a proper pension, health, education and homes for the homeless rather than pander to the continual whining of a minority of people who call themselves travellers yet still want permanent sites council and income tax free.
Cyril Preece, Tamworth, UK

Of course they should. They provide council houses for people don't they? Gypsies choose to live a nomadic lifestyle but they are just as entitled to receive help as anyone else. I would bet that a number of people campaigning against this have their housing paid for by the council, but they are probably blind to this hypocrisy.
Dominic Tristram, Bath, UK

As many have said if these people do not pay anything towards society then they have no right to claim anything back. They just move on in to a field, leaving piles of rubbish and a temporary hike in the local crime rates.
Finlay Clark, Aberdeen, Scotland

If they contribute nothing then they should expect nothing Terry, Epsom, Surrey, England

I think it's fair that Gypsies get from society something comparable to what they contribute. If they contribute nothing then they should expect nothing. By all means provide sites but those who use them should pay council tax to ensure their upkeep. If they want health and welfare facilities, schools and hospitals then contribute by paying taxes as we all do.
Terry, Epsom, Surrey, England

It is true, there are tensions within the community and for very good reasons! A stigma attached to these people is one many live up to, though not only by travellers and gypsies! If these sites are to be agreed who will pay? If they pay rent for where they want to live, like the rest of us, then fine. Though if at the cost of the tax payer then this will surely only create a bigger divide?
Jamie, Stowmarket, Suffolk

My local council had nowhere to place the Gypsies that turned up on our local park one night and were forced to place them into a council estate. Since then the crime rate has soared and the area is a no go area and frankly a complete tip. The police refuse to deal with them as they 'don't have the man power' so they get away with whatever they like. No new (and pointless) law will change either my or the Gypsies attitude towards each other.
Ray, London, England

Has anyone asked these people if they would use these sites? Tim Watkins, Cardiff

Has anyone asked these people if they would use these sites? If they make anything like the mess they make when they use other people's land, the sites will be uninhabitable with a month!
Tim Watkins, Cardiff

Part of the problem is when they ARE provided with good facilities, they invariably wreck them or, as was one case of a brand new travellers site, strip them of anything of value, and then leave.
Nathan Hobbs, Luton, UK

I cannot afford to my own land let alone a home, why should these people get it for free?
Louis, Manchester

I think it is a great idea - all those people in their mid to late twenties, with good education and good jobs that cannot afford to buy a flat, let alone a house, could buy a nice caravan and stay in one of these lovely sites that the government will provide for free. Let us face it, if we can't beat them, we might as well join them - rent free!
Paula, Belgium (from UK)

NO, why should tax-paying communities subsidise travellers? They have got themselves to blame for being universally disliked by the way they behave, taking as much as they can and giving nothing but agro in return.
Peter, Dorset

If travellers pay council/income tax then they are entitled to something for their money. On the other hand, if they pay nothing then why should the rest of us subsidise their lifestyle? Unless you've had an encampment in your area - you really don't know how vile it can be.
Mogbeast, UK

As usual MPs say councils should do something but forget who actually will foot the bill - the local council tax payers. If the Gypsies (which many aren't) and travellers pay their council taxes then the council can provide a site. But why should I, as a house owner, have to subsidise their lifestyle - especially as the majority are financially better off than most. Like most things we are seen as a soft touch.
John, UK

I can't see the problem with major cities providing a bit of land with water and perhaps other services such as toilets etc, it would make the life of a traveller a lot easier and build up relations and good PR between travellers and those of us that prefer to stay put. I feel these kind of gestures in our community are a long time coming and a step in the right direction for eradicating violence, hatred and bigotry for those we don't understand.
Jo Pope, Plymouth. UK

I don't wish any malice on travellers but it boils down to entitlement Wendy, UK

I don't wish any malice on travellers but it boils down to entitlement. If they don't pay any taxes, specifically council tax, how can they expect to use the services? Why can't there be a traveller tax of sorts, whereby they pay a minimum to contribute towards upkeep of roads, common land, amenities etc?
Wendy, UK

That's right, don't pay tax, don't conform like the majority of us, and steal what you like and the government (well all of us through tax) will take care of you. This is a pitiful disgrace. If you've had garden ornaments stolen by travellers, like I have and your areas blighted by the mess that they leave behind, then this proposed legislation just slaps you straight in the face. The best way to stop tensions is to enforce the law amongst everyone, travellers included.
Ed H, UK

Why not? Article 25 of the Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the right to housing. Providing sites, I would argue, is a responsibility to councils under this. And to pre-empt any nimbys - yes, I would be more than happy to have any site next door to me.
Thom Boston, London, EU

I don't want my taxes used to help those who choose to live outside society. I do want my taxes spent on enforcing the law however - that means evicting those that trespass - confiscating un-insured vehicles and prosecuting 'Gypsies' to the same degree that I am - show me a policeman who dares enter a Gypsy camp!
Craig, UK

Provide them with a lovely site. So long as it's a long way away from me. I'm tired of being assaulted/abused by our local troop.
James, Hertfordshire

3,500 Gypsies and travellers are without official sites to stay on; this is a tiny number of people compared to the number who are completely homeless and destitute, whether they are native-born rough-sleepers or asylum seekers waiting for repatriation. This is a minor issue compared to other social injustices and should be treated as one. It's akin to debating fox-hunting, but avoiding any discussion about the war in Iraq.
Heather, Stockport, UK

More taxes being spent on people who do not contribute to society, having said that knowing the weak government we have, councils will in the end relent.
Mike, London, England

Gypsies should pay tax before we give them anything Roger, Whitwick, England

Gypsies should pay tax before we give them anything. Gypsies should be subject to the same English Law that everyone else is. Whilst the perception pervades that the Authorities treat Travellers differently to redress some historical imbalance in their past access to justice, the public are just going to get more infuriated with this community that contributes nothing to UK life.
Roger, Whitwick, England