Meeting documents

1 THE ISSUE

1.1 To consider a response to the Regional Assembly 's request for First Detailed Proposals on provision of sites for Gypsies and Travellers to inform policies in the emerging Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West 2006-2026.

2 RECOMMENDATION

2.1 the draft letter of response attached as appendix 4 to the report be approved as the Executive's response to the Regional Assembly in answer to the request for First Detailed Proposals on provision of sites for Gypsies and Travellers;

2.2 the assessment of need for gypsies and travellers accommodation required under the Housing Act 2004 should proceed as soon as possible to be undertaken jointly with the other Unitary Authorities in the West of England sub-region.

3 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

3.1 There will be financial implications with regard to carrying out the assessment of need. On 12 September, the Avon Chief Officers Housing Group agreed that, due to the high level of officer time needed to conduct the Housing Needs Assessment of Gypsies & Travellers, this piece of work should be jointly commissioned, with all four authorities contributing equally to its' cost. Discussion around planning this piece of work began in early November. No costs are available at the time of reporting. An estimate of £2,500 per authority is being assumed, though this is subject to change. This funding will come from existing budgets within Housing and Supported Living.

4 THE REPORT

4.1 The Regional Assembly have formally requested the four Local Authorities in the West of England sub-region - Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire to submit First Detailed Proposals on the provision of sites for Gypsies and Travellers. These would need to be submitted by 7th February 2006. This is to provide input into the preparation of the Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West 2006-2026 which will include policies on the spatial pattern of need for Gypsy and Traveller pitch numbers at local authority level.

4.2 Because of the short notice for response to this request officers of the four Unitary authorities have met and sent out provisional responses subject to ratification by the respective Executives. The draft response indicates that it would not be possible to carry out a robust assessment of need in the timescales given.

4.3 Notwithstanding the above the Council are obligated under the provisions of the Housing Act 2004 to produce a local housing needs assessment which must take account of the needs of Gypsies and Travellers. A joint assessment working with the other West of England Unitary Authorities therefore needs to be undertaken.

4.4 Appendix 1 sets out the background to issues set out above.

5 RISK MANAGEMENT

5.1 A risk assessment related to the issue and recommendations has been undertaken, in compliance with the Council's decision making risk management guidance.

6 RATIONALE

6.1 Agreeing the recommendations as proposed will enable a comprehensive needs assessment to be undertaken which can be submitted as evidence to the Panel at the Examination in Public for the Draft Regional Spatial Strategy as well as informing the Housing Strategy and local planning policies on meeting the needs of Gypsies and Travellers.

7 OTHER OPTIONS CONSIDERED

7.1 Alternative is to meet with the Regional Assembly's request but it would not be possible to carry out the necessary surveys, consultations and analysis in the time allowed by the Assembly. Not carrying out an assessment would be contrary to the provisions of the Housing Act 2004.

8 CONSULTATION

8.1 Executive Councillors for Housing & Sustainability and the Environment, Other B&NES Services, Other public sector bodies, Section 151 Finance Officer, Chief Executive, Monitoring Officer

8.2 Meetings with Executive Member, officers from other services and other Councils, and by email.