John Baron MP says traveller £1.2million is a small positive

But MP criticises DCLG

Responding to the news today that the Department for Communities and Local Government [DCLG] will after all contribute £1.2m to the costs of clearing the illegal traveller Dale Farm site should the travellers not move off peacefully,

John said:

“This money can be used to help fund the additional policing costs. After months of lobbying by Basildon Council and myself, this is a small step in the right direction given that DCLG had initially refused all funding. It is also a small positive in that this is the first time central Government has recognised this issue is exceptional and beyond local resources.”

“However, I am disappointed that more money was not committed given recent negotiations. There is still a big funding gap as to policing costs which we are looking to the Government to fill, and these negotiations are ongoing.”