What is Negotiated Stopping?

Families have the right to travel. Evictions are harmful. There are better solutions.

These are the simple beliefs that a successful negotiated stopping approach is built on.

Negotiated stopping is an alternative solution for the whole community and local authority to make space for Gypsies and Travellers to stop safely and legally.

It works by all parties coming to a common agreement for Gypsies and Travellers to use an unused piece of land as a temporary stopping place.

Terms are agreed, including time stopped on the land and services to be provided by the local council. This should include water, rubbish disposal and sanitation. Stopping can be agreed for a couple of weeks or months, but most are for around 28 days.

Everyone gets a seat at the table to figure out the alternative.

Watch our explainer

Why does it matter?

Stopping has been happening for centuries and isn't illegal. Often elements of a Negotiated Stopping are already happening informally within a local authority.

Do you, for example:

- Go out to greet a new camp?

- Agree terms and how long they will stop?

- Offer them a new piece of land if the one they are on isn't suitable?

- Ask them what facilities they need?

This is Negotiated Stopping. But to properly protect Gypsy and Traveller communities from the harm of the Policing Bill, we are asking for local authorities commitment to using this approach.

Now, our campaign is an opportunity to put this in place across the country.

What are the benefits?

Whether living in a house, on a site or on the road, Gypsies and Travellers are still Gypsies and Travellers.

For some, continuing to live nomadically or travelling seasonally is a vital part of their life and identity. Understanding and implementing the Negotiated Stopping approach will mean a better quality of life and protection for Gypsy and Traveller rights.

Using engagement, rather than enforcement means improving lives with access to services and saving hundreds of thousands of pounds. Leeds City Council using Negotiated Stopping has saved over £230,000 on clean up and enforcement costs.

London Gypsies and Travellers report on the potential for a Negotiated Stopping approach across the Greater London authority here.

We all own Negotiated Stopping.

We want to offer a different and more positive common sense solution than criminalisation and constant evictions. Started in Leeds and developed by Gypsies and Travellers in 2009, Negotiated Stopping can work in your area too. By contacting your local councillors about our campaign, you can inspire change by promoting alternatives.

 Support Negotiated Stopping.

Help us secure the right to a nomadic life by sharing our campaign.
Stand with Gypsies and Travellers.