Peers are to decide whether forced eviction of gypsies and squatters breaches their human rights.

The House of Lords is to rule on the case of the Maloney family, who have been evicted more than 50 times and cost the taxpayer an estimated £300,000.

The Court of Appeal ruled that their local council was right to throw the family off public playing fields, but then sent the case to the House of Lords for a final decision.

Five members of the family claimed that their rights to a home, family life and privacy had been breached when they were evicted.

Until the law lords reach their decision, attempts to evict gypsies and squatters from local authority land will be suspended.