Issue - meetings

The Head of Housing introduced this item to the Panel. He explained that the policy had been modelled on the Homesearch Policy in that applicants are asked to express an interest in pitches.

He said that pitches will then be offered to the household in the highest group. It should be noted that the Council reserves the right not to nominate. The three bands cover the following categories:

Group A – local households who have a priority need;

Group B – local households who do not have a priority need;

Group C – households who are not local to Bath & North East Somerset

Councillor Steve Hedges commented that he expected the Council’s overall Gypsy & Traveller Policy to be changed once the Lower Bristol Road site was up and running.

The Head of Housing replied that the Panel were due to receive a report on the corporate policy soon.

Councillor David Veale asked where the families who had vacated the site had been moved.

The Head of Housing replied that seven households had been moved onto private land agreed with the Council and that the others had gone to unauthorised sites outside of the district.

Councillor June Player asked if the seven households would be placed on the priority list or allowed to move back to the site.

The Head of housing replied that the seven households and one situated in Stowey Lane had shown an interest in the Lower Bristol Road site. He added that no party had been informed of the rent price yet and that a fair way of opening the list needed to be devised.

Councillor June Player asked what would happen if they felt that the rent was too much.

The Head of Housing replied that the seven households were required to move from their current position when the Lower Bristol Road site is complete.

The Chair asked questioned whether travelling families would have the types of references which were to be sought to support applications.

The Head of Housing replied that the Council would show a degree of flexibility and allow personal references.

The Chair asked if those defined as Gypsy & Travellers who currently live in fixed accommodation were allowed to apply.

The Head of Housing replied that the current planning legislation includes Gypsy & Travellers that currently live in bricks and mortar and so were eligible to apply.

Councillor June Player asked if the Council received any money from this process.

The Head of Housing replied that the Council received around £8,000 per pitch under the New Homes Bonus and Council Tax of around £1,000 per year.