The number of gypsy caravans on unauthorised sites in Lincolnshire has risen to 134, according to official figures.

The Government's audit of gypsy and traveller caravans showed the number on sites without planning permission was up from 110 last year, and from 81 in 2007.

Ministers said they had provided councils with the funding to provide new authorised sites, and the powers to crack down on illegal pitches.

The figures from the Communities and Local Government department also showed there were 174 caravans on sites with planning permission in the county, down from 185 in July 2008.

A department spokesman said: "The Government has put in place funding for local authorities to provide new authorised sites and an effective enforcement framework that gives them the tools to tackle unauthorised developments.

"All local authorities must make rapid progress on providing authorised sites and using existing enforcement powers effectively."

Of the caravans on unauthorised sites, 13 are said to be "tolerated" – meaning the local council has decided not to try to remove the encampment, which is likely to be allowed to remain indefinitely.

The vast majority, 121 of the caravans, are described as "not tolerated" because either a planning enforcement notice has been served or the results of a planning inquiry are pending.

The figures showed 16 of the caravans are in East Lindsey, 40 are in South Holland, 28 are in South Kesteven and 37 in West Lindsey.

There are no "not tolerated" caravans in Lincoln, Boston or North Kesteven, although all three areas have authorised sites.

Nick Willey, Traveller Liaison Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said the authority owned four public traveller sites across the county, operated by either local councils or a private contractor.

"This provision helps reduce the number of unauthorised sites by providing official spaces for those who need them," he said.

"In terms of dealing with encampments, if it occurs on a public highway or county council owned land we have a policy in place for resolving such issues.

"If encampment takes place on privately-owned land, we will offer advice to the landowner about how to deal with the situation."

Since 2004 district authorities have had to take into account the needs of gypsies and identify land where there is a need for it.