Issue - meetings

Report of the Corporate Director, Neighbourhood and Planning is circulated

Cllr Toby Sturgis, Cabinet member for Waste, Property and Environment, presented a report which drew Cabinet’s attention to the Gypsy and Traveller Strategy and sought to gain approval of and commitment to a change of approach for service delivery and engagement with Gypsy and Traveller communities.  It was noted that there had been scrutiny involvement in developing the Strategy which was also being recommended by the Environment Select Committee.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

a)                 note the Gypsy and Traveller Strategy and action plan.

b)                 approve and commit to the aims and objectives of the strategy.

c)                 delegate authority to the Service Director for Housing to oversee the next steps and potential staffing implications of the project, in consultation with the Cabinet Member responsible for Gypsies and Travellers (Cabinet member for Waste, Property and Environment) and the Cabinet member for Economic Development and Housing and in consultation with Human Resources.  

Reason for Decision

Service delivery and engagement with Gypsy and Traveller communities is spread across the organisation, and changes are needed to interlock these services, develop a strategy and put in place an action plan to provide an improving, integrated and supportive approach to engaging with Gypsy and Traveller communities. 

This strategy provides a framework to change the approach to service delivery and engagement with Gypsy and Traveller communities in order to achieve the aims of the strategy. 

Councillors play a key part in the service delivery and engagement with Gypsy and Traveller communities, so Cabinet commitment to a change of approach is needed to ensure the success of the strategy.