Agenda item

Site Visits to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Sites in County Durham

Presented by the Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer, Stephen Gwillym.

Minutes:

The Chairman asked the Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer to speak to Members in relation to the recent visits to Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) sites in the County, 6 March 2018  (for copy see file of minutes).

 

The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer referred Members to the report setting out the main issues raised during the visits, highlighting that an issue that had been discussed was how to encourage those living at the sites to enrol on the Electoral Register.  He added that of 6 sites, 3 had been canvassed by the usual method employed across the County, Drum Lane, Tower Road and Ash Green Way, Bishop Auckland. 

It was noted this prompted 7, 9 and 6 registrations respectively.  The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer explained that for the remaining three sites an Elections Officer specifically visited, alongside an Officer from the GRT Team.  He added that this returned 14, 15 and 21 responses, the latter approach proving to be more successful.  It was noted that this method had been agreed as the approach going forward across all 6 sites for the 2018 canvass.  Members noted there was still work to do to help demonstrate confidence and build on the positive relationship the GRT have.

 

The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer noted refurbishment of the sites, totalling approximately £9 million, possible via a Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) capital grant and a presentation had been circulated in terms of the huge difference this investment had made.  Members were informed that all sites were at maximum capacity, with all plots occupied, and there were 35 people on the waiting list.  It was emphasised that it was important to the GRT community for the Local Authority to be enabling the same level of access to services.

 

Councillor P Jopling noted new Government regulations in terms of those GRT that did not live at permanent sites and asked how this effected the Council and asked if there was a waiting list, was there a need to increase capacity or look to create more sites.  , adjacent to the Council.

 

The Chairman noted that the question had been raised as regards expanding sites, with the site at Chester-le-Street being in private ownership, adjacent to the Council ran site, having some capacity.  The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer noted there was management of the permanent and temporary GRT sites, noting seasonal events, for example Appleby Fair. 

It was noted that the Council’s GRT Liaison Staff managed the 6 permanent sites and also looked at temporary sites as well as any illegal sites, though there were clear distinctions.

 

Resolved:

 

That the notes of the site visit be noted.

 

Supporting documents: