Purpose

To note and approve next steps to develop the
council’s upcoming Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Strategy.

Content

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet noted
the representations and comments made by Mr John O’Donnell
(speaking on behalf of residents from the Lynton Close Travellers
site). In recognising the progress made in terms of the
relationship between residents on the site and Council Mr
O’Donnell outlined a number of questions in relation to the
investment in Lynton Close site improvements, rent arrangements,
search for additional Traveller sites in Brent and new allocations
policy referred to as part of the proposed Strategy presented for
consideration.
 
In responding to the comments raised
Councillor Donnelly-Jackson (as Cabinet Member for Housing) also
welcomed the more positive and meaningful process of engagement
with the Traveller community at Lynton Close and highlighted the
Council’s commitment to celebrating diversity and ensuring
Brent remained an inclusive place for all communities.
 
As part of this approach, reference was made
to the work undertaken with residents of the Lynton Close Traveller
Site to address overcrowding and fire safety risks, alongside the
clearance of unwanted bulky waste and a dilapidated playground and
portacabins that were no longer fit for purpose.  It was pointed out these efforts had also been
supported by a series of resident meetings (chaired by the
Council’s Chief Executive) covering a range of wider issues,
which had also resulted in the organisation of two community
support days involving teams from the Council’s Housing,
Brent Health Matters, Hubs and Council Tax services with residents
(along with the wider community) being kept updated through
regular, accessible communications.
 
Turning to development of the new Strategy, it
was highlighted that this had reflected the engagement undertaken
to date in partnership with Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities
underpinned by an understanding of the needs being
identified.  In developing the proposals
and working to improve engagement, it was highlighted that the
Council had also involved interest groups like London Gypsy &
Travellers Association as well as other local authorities to get
advice and support in order to ensure the approach outlined was
based on recognised best practice.
 
As part of the process of engagement and in
seeking to develop a better understanding of need, it was
recognised that the Irish Traveller community had highlighted
access to suitable accommodation and the opportunity to
meaningfully shape support services as important in supporting
residents’ health and wellbeing, as well as their ability to
thrive in education and employment with data from the latest Census
and other sources also supporting the need to improve outcomes in
these areas.  This had also resulted in
additional cross Council work being undertaken to ensure ownership
and consistency in the approach being developed towards the
delivery of improvements with the aim being to not just improve
communication but also engage and listen, enabling residents (with
the Council’s support) to shape their futures as well as
increase wellbeing and reduce marginalisation and stigma.
 
In terms of the questions which had been
raised, an assurance was provided that these would be responded to
in detail following the meeting with initial confirmation provided
that the liaison role for the Lynton Close site was already in the
process of being recruited.
 
In recognising and supporting the efforts
being made to continue and develop the process of engagement and in
seeking to provide the foundation for a fairer future Cabinet
RESOLVED to:
 
(1)      
Endorse the proposed direction of travel to develop the Gypsy, Roma
& Traveller Strategy. This included:
 

·           
The skeleton outlined in paragraph 3.2.5 of the report.

·           
The consultation and engagement approach as captured in paragraphs
3.2.24 – 3.2.27 and detailed within Appendix A of the
report.
 
(2)      
To note progress made, and endorse next steps to develop key
components of the strategy (as detailed in 3.2.10 – 3.2.23 of
the report), including:

·           
Draft Pitch Allocation Policy as detailed in Appendix B of the
report.

·           
Site search – with a report detailing to be provided for
Cabinet in 2026.

·           
Site management approach.
 
(3)      
To endorse the use of up to c.£500,000 capital investment
from 2026/27 through the usual capital governance processes
(Capital Programme Board and Cabinet) for site improvements as part
of our improved approach to site management. This would be invested
in priorities identified through consultation and engagement with
the residents.
 
(4)      
To endorse a reduction in the weekly pitch rate from £185.13 to £138.96.
 
Eligible for call-in: Yes
 
Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on
Monday 15 September 2025