In the East Midlands Gypsy and Traveller Site Grant totalling £5.9 million has been approved to provide five new sites and support the refurbishment of one site.
This announcement follows a second round of bidding for the Grant in 2007/8. Across England, since 2006/7 the Government has approved £54.6 million of investment that will provide over 400 additional pitches for Gypsies and Travellers, and refurbish 120 sites.
Schemes have been evaluated by both independent consultants and Regional Assemblies.
A further £97 million of funding is available between 2008-11, and bids are now being invited for 2008/9.
Iain Wright said:
"This funding is vital in delivering both new and better sites to ensure that Gypsies and Travellers have authorised, decent places to live and to help reduce the £18 million annual enforcement bill.
"It is important that councils ensure there are enough authorised sites for the Gypsy and Traveller communities. A good supply of legal sites can break the vicious cycle of evictions that is costly in terms of both local tensions and taxpayers' cash.
"We are providing a further £97 million of funding for councils and housing associations over the next three years to help meet the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers.
"I am pleased that the report of the independent Task Group on Site Provision and Enforcement has endorsed our approach to these important issues."
