The funding will help reduce the costs of enforcing against unauthorised sites. It is estimated that this costs local authorities around £18 million a year.
In the North East £2.6 million of Gypsy and Traveller Sites Grant has been allocated to extend three sites, and support refurbishment works on two of them.
Communities Minister Iain Wright said "The Gypsy and Traveller Sites Grant is crucial to the delivery of both new and better sites to ensure that Gypsies and Travellers have authorised, decent places to live.
"The problem of unauthorised camping and the tensions it can cause will only be tackled through sufficient provision of well-managed, authorised sites, coupled with effective enforcement action. Site provision helps reduce the need for enforcement action, which costs taxpayers around £18 million a year, and makes it quicker and easier to take action where unauthorised camping does take place."
Schemes have been assessed by independent consultants and considered by regional assemblies. All proposals for new sites are subject to the full planning process.
The Homes and Communities Agency will be responsible for the Gypsy and Traveller Sites Grant for 2009-10 onwards.
Details of the schemes for which funding has now been allocated in the North East are as follows:
- Durham County Council
East Howle
£2,445,739
Refurbishment and extension
- Middlesborough Council
Metz Bridge
£48,435
Extension
- Stockton Borough Council
Mount Pleasant Grange
£108,074
Refurbishment and extension
