Hampshire County Council

Executive Member, Policy & Resources Item

11 November 2004

Gypsy and Traveller Services

Report by the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services

1

Summary

1.1

The following decisions are sought:

Approval be given to:

(i) The actions undertaken to investigate the provision of short stay and transit accommodation through the Joint Authorities Gypsy and Traveller Panel;

(ii) The additional expenditure of £13,300 from the Capital Repairs Budget for site improvement works on the permanent residential sites set out in the report; and

(iii) The expenditure of £20,000 from the Capital Repairs Budget to undertake feasibility studies on prospective short stay, temporary and transit sites in the South West of the County.

2

Reasons

2.1

The reason for the report is to advise Members on the progress of the Gypsy and Traveller Service in seeking to address the issues of unauthorised camping within the county.

2.2

This decision supports the following Aims of the Corporate Strategy

Aim 1 - Maximising life opportunities by providing accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers with the provision of health, welfare and education services associated with such provision.

Aim 2 - Stewardship of the environment by having unauthorised encampments lawfully located on approved areas and reducing the environmental damage associated with unauthorised camping.

Aim 4 - Building strong and safe communities by providing a safe and settled environment for Gypsies and Travellers and reducing the conflict with the settled community and unauthorised camping.

Aim 5 - Improving services by providing services to families located on the temporary sites and reducing the services required on unauthorised encampments.

Aim 6 - Developing councillors and staff by apprising Members of the problems of unauthorised camping and seeking a solution via the provision of temporary and short-stay sites.

3

Other options considered and rejected

3.1

No viable alternative options available.

4

Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker or other Executive Member consulted

4.1

None

5

Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1

None

6

Reason for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1

Not applicable

Approved by:

..........................

Date of decision:

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Councillor T K Thornber