Purpose

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

Decision

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