Glastonbury's growing van-living crisis has sparked calls for a nationwide crackdown, as the town's MP warns that vulnerable people are being left to survive in dangerous and unregulated conditions.

In a letter to Housing Secretary Steve Reed, Lib Dem MP Sarah Dyke backed proposals for a national caravan licensing system, saying the situation in Glastonbury has spiralled out of control.

The town is now home to around 300 people living in vans or caravans, giving it one of the highest rates of van dwellers in the UK — second only to Bristol.

While some choose van life, Dyke said many residents are living in vehicles out of desperation, unable to afford rent and forced to go without electricity, sanitation or support.

"Many of these caravans are unsafe and entirely unsuitable for accommodation," she said. "Some are sold by unscrupulous landlords in an unregulated market, then dumped when they become uninhabitable."

The MP slammed the lack of permanent or transit sites, noting that Somerset County Council sold off its provision more than a decade ago. She warned that the current lack of infrastructure is fuelling local tensions and leaving residents and communities to "just deal with it".

Dyke is now pushing for a national registration system to help councils and support services track and assist van dwellers more effectively.

She said she has been working with local fire services, GPs, councillors and van dwellers themselves to find practical solutions.

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"It's about keeping people safe — and giving communities the resources they need, not just leaving them to pick up the pieces," she said.

More local stories:

• New traveller sites on the way – and Glastonbury could finally see long‑awaited space for van‑living community
• National press report highlights tensions over Glastonbury's van dwellers – what do you think?

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