Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has challenged claims made by shadow Housing Secretary Sir James Cleverly regarding proposed changes to regulations on unauthorised Traveller sites. Rayner dismissed Cleverly’s warnings as “scaremongering,” emphasizing that the government is strengthening rules to address illegal developments.

Cleverly expressed concern that revisions to the national planning policy framework would make it easier for Travellers to obtain retrospective approval for unauthorized sites, including cases where permanent structures have already been constructed without prior permission. He suggested that the changes could effectively allow such developments to be “rubber stamped” after the fact.

In response during an interview on LBC, Rayner asserted that the government is explicitly targeting potential environmental harm and transportation impacts linked to unauthorised sites. She also stressed that the new measures aim to make it more difficult for individuals to secure retrospective planning permission for developments intentionally erected without approval.

Rayner characterized Cleverly’s position as alarmist, stating, “I think he’s trying to scaremonger.” The exchange highlights differing perspectives between the government and opposition on how to manage unauthorised Traveller sites within the current planning system.