Bristol Council has asked the deputy prime minister to intervene. After all, as indicated by their development of this CRA, they’re facing a major surge in van-dwelling across the city. According to the local authority, there are currently about 650 vehicles being slept in in Bristol. This deteriorating state of walkability is leading to increasing frustration, resentment, and anger within the local population and distributed community.
In a subsequent letter to the deputy prime minister, the council lamented its inability to address the problem on its own. Green councillor Barry Parsons said the council’s attempt to get a grip on the situation has become more and more difficult. He stated that the rise in the number of motorhomes and caravans parked on Clifton Down has heightened frustrations among both residents and local officials.
Van-dwelling Bristol has historically been home to a strong community of van-dwellers and former local authority housing, but escalating economic trends have sharpened the issue. The increased desire to park vehicles on Clifton Down—an area of outstanding natural beauty famous for its open spaces—has sparked increasing tensions. Councillor Parsons noted that “nationally we are taking a leadership role around vehicle dwelling and liaising closely with many other local authorities, which is why we are in a position to be able to make these asks and recommendations to government.”
Bristol Council have written to the deputy prime minister. They are campaigning for a new legal requirement that would make it mandatory for caravans to have a clear registration of ownership. This would be an important step to improve enforcement and more effectively address the increasing number of vehicles that people are using as homes today.
Councillor Parsons added, ‘Not only are we building new homes at a fast pace, but working with partners to reduce our dependence on temporary accommodation. If we had the appropriate backing from central government, we would be able to do even more.’
The council’s successful appeal shows the importance of working together with central government to tackle the realities of multi-faceted life on the streets, such as van-dwelling. With anger boiling over, local authorities are already asking for outside federal support. Through their advocacy, they have developed a focus on increasing standards for the safety of both van dwellers and other residents.
