Archived decisions

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Executive Decision Record

1. The decision:

1.1. That the findings of the Gypsy and Traveller Service Review be endorsed and, in particular, the following proposals be approved:

a) That the County Council continues to operate the four residential sites on an interim basis and arrangements be made to transfer the sites by January 2013 to more appropriate bodies.

b) That the County Council to offer site management services to appropriate bodies on a full cost basis.

c) That the principle of expanding the Gypsy and Traveller Service in respect of unauthorised encampment as set out in the report be endorsed.

2. Reasons for the decision:

2.1. The proposed decision reflects the current position whereby the County Council is no longer obliged to provide accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers. The provision of housing, is a matter for the local housing authorities.

2.2. The decision also ensures that, as a large landowner, the County Council has the capacity to deal with unauthorised encampments both for its own land but also to work with other local authorities and businesses to provide this service including, possibly, the management of Gypsy and Traveller residential sites.

3. Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. For the residential sites:

a) Continue as existing

b) Cease maintaining the sites as soon as practicable .

3.2. For the wider unauthorised encampment service:

a) Cease to maintain the Service

b) Retain the Service broadly as existing.

4. Conflicts of interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision-maker: None

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive Members consulted: None

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee: None.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent: Not applicable.

7. Statement from the Decision Maker: