Purpose

To endorse Brent’s new Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Strategy

Decision

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet NOTED the following representations received at the meeting:

Whilst welcoming the Council’s acknowledgment of the need to do better in seeking to meet the needs of traveller communities in Brent and recognising that some progress had been made, John O’Donnell (representing residents from the Lynton Close Travelers site) supported by Bernie Corcoran (as a fellow resident) and Rhianna Ketley (London Gypsy and Travellers Association), having thanked the Leader of the Council for the opportunity to speak, advised he was also seeking to outline concerns which remained in relation to development of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework.  Members were advised these related to the limited progress made in terms of the identification and provision of temporary sites, despite this being raised as a priority by community members in view of the severe overcrowding on the Lynton Close site impacting on the health, safety and wellbeing of residents.  As such he advised residents were keen to ensure the Council moved forward as quickly as possible in seeking to identify suitable temporary sites to address the overcrowding concerns outlined and avoid Travellers needing to move to unallocated transit sites whilst permanent provision was being developed.

Having thanked Mr O’Donnell for attending the meeting and representations received the Leader then invited Councillor Robert Johnson (as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security) to respond to the comments made prior to formally introducing the report on the Framework.

In taking the opportunity to thank those present for attending to ensure the views of the traveller community at Lynton Close were represented, Councillor Johnson, in seeking to address the concerns highlighted, confirmed that an independent search company had been commissioned to support the identification of temporary traveller sites.  Highlighting that the provision of any sites (once identified) would also require the necessary planning consent to be obtained Councillor Johnson advised that the Council remained committed to making alternative accommodation available, although it was acknowledged this would be through the Council’s temporary accommodation supply, as opposed to pitch sites.  In highlighting examples of the other measures also introduced to support the community on the Lynton Close site, Councillor Johnson ended by once again acknowledging the concerns highlighted and committing to presenting the findings of the independent search company back to Cabinet, in order for any feasible sites identified to be taken forward.

Having noted the representations made and commitment identified to continue working with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities to achieve positive outcomes, build trust and ensure their needs continued to be met, Cabinet RESOLVED to approve Brent’s new Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030 (as set out within Appendix A of the accompanying report).

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 September 2026