Plans for a pilot programme to create temporary stopping sites for travellers in Birmingham have been hit by further significant delays, with the city council admitting it does not expect the scheme to begin in the near future.
A Plan to Ease Tensions and Costs
The Labour-run Birmingham City Council has been developing a 'negotiated stopping' pilot in an effort to tackle the ongoing issue of unauthorised encampments. These encampments, often in public parks, have led to local disruption and incurred substantial clean-up costs for the authority.
The proposed scheme would identify unused pieces of land across the city for use by the travelling community for short-term stays. This approach is intended to provide a more flexible and managed solution, which the council states is favoured by Gypsy and Traveller communities.
Missed Deadlines and 'Glacial Progress'
The pilot was originally scheduled to commence in June 2025 following a consultation period. This start date was later pushed back to October 2025, a target which the council also failed to meet.
When pressed for an update this week, a council spokesperson confirmed the continued delay, stating: "The process for identifying and reviewing the suitability of sites for the 'negotiated stopping' pilot programme for travellers remains ongoing. As a result, we do not expect the pilot to begin soon."
The spokesperson added that a consultation with nearby communities and businesses must still take place once sites are finalised.
The council's sluggish progress has drawn sharp criticism from local councillors. At a meeting last summer, Councillor Sam Forsyth of the Harborne and Quinton Independents described the pace as "glacial", calling the situation a "festering sore" in the city.
Green Party councillor Julien Pritchard was even more scathing, remarking: "Icebergs have been melting quicker than the council has been solving this issue. It's the same report every time with very little actual change or progress."
Underlying Issues with Permanent Sites
Part of the drive for a temporary site pilot stems from problems with Birmingham's two permanent transit sites, which are meant to be available for directing travellers to.
However, one site has suffered from repeated damage and vandalism, while the other has been occupied by long-term occupants, rendering both ineffective for their intended purpose of providing short-term, managed stopping places.
Council officers have previously cited challenges with site identification and resourcing as reasons for the hold-up. An initial shortlist of potential locations is being reviewed by planning, housing, and property teams before a final list can be put forward for public consultation.
The council has pledged that the pilot, which is designed to run for at least 12 months, will take everyone's views into account and focus on community cohesion.
