In the North East Gypsy and Traveller Site Grant totalling £890,000 has been approved to support the refurbishment of two sites.
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."
