Gypsy and Traveller Scrutiny
One of our promises for 2006/07 was
To Increase understanding and develop a new approach
and policy for our Gypsy community
In order to do this we carried out a
Scrutiny review to improve on our approach to our Gypsy
community. We set up a a task and finish team, chaired by Councillor
Adrian Hardman, to review current practice in Wychavon and
what’s happening elsewhere and put together a plan of improvements
for the future.
There are three main outcomes of the review were:
1. Better relationships between the Council and local
Gypsy and Traveller communities, specifically;
- Consultation and communication mechanisms
- A protocol setting out what you can expect from us and what we
can expect from you” leaflet, summarising the roles we play, key
contacts and partners.
2. Breaking down barriers and building understanding
between settled residents and the local Gypsy communities,
specifically;
- Understanding the tensions that exist and why
- Features/articles in The
Wychavon Magazine to build understanding and acceptance
3. Balancing supply of sites and demand for the future –
helping to inform the planning process, specifically;
- Pre-application engagement and advice
- Proper enforcement
- If requirements for new sites arise, setting out the principles
that will need to be applied
In June 2006 we held a consultation event for Parish and Town
Councils to get their input on the review. The slides from
the event (741.70 KB) are available view. We also
consulted with Gypsy and Traveller communities
as part of the review.
The final
report (175.43 KB) from the Scrutiny team is now available
and also a summary
leaflet (194.17 KB) The report details the work of
the Scrutiny team and also sets out 30 recomendations for Wychavon
District Council. Worcestershire County Council, West Mercia
Police, Government bodies, Gypsies and Travellers and Parish
Councils.
For more information contact:
Fiona Narburgh
Head of Strategy & Communications
Call: 01386 565101 - between 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday
Email: fiona.narburgh@wychavon.gov.uk
