I fully understand the distress of residents when an unauthorised encampment of vehicles or caravans impacts the community. One such incident occurred on Pulborough recreation ground – home to the reformed local cricket club and a much-loved space for families to play - last Friday. I had a number of conversations with Sussex Police and following their relatively swift intervention the unauthorised encampment was cleared on Saturday afternoon. I understand that the police powers used were under s. 60 C (1) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 which were introduced via the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 which I supported in Parliament to help exactly this situation. Changes to the law can seem remote or academic but had it not been for this new Conservative Act of Parliament, the likelihood is that this would have had to have been dealt with as a civil rather than criminal matter and taken many more days – with much greater resultant damage and distress - to reach the same outcome.
With West Sussex having one of the highest numbers of guests under the Homes for Ukraine scheme I keep a close eye on the help being provided for hosts and our Ukrainian guests. In my recent surgeries I have met with support groups from both Slindon and West Chiltington. So, I was pleased to hear the two latest initiatives from the Government. Firstly, that we will extend the length of time Ukrainian refugees can drive on their home country driving licence, from one year to three, in a move that will help many continue the lives they have forged since arriving here. Second, that local authorities are being given another £150 million to help Ukrainian families with accommodation in addition to us all seeking to find new sponsors to host families.
