Eitem ar yr agenda

Ystyried adroddiad gan Reolwr Gofal a Chefnogaeth Tai (copi ynghlwm), sy’n nodi manylion Asesiad o Anghenion Sipsiwn a Theithwyr Gogledd Cymru a gyflawnwyd gan Brifysgol Bangor ac yn gofyn am sylwadau’r Pwyllgor ynglŷn ag argymhellion yr Asesiad a sefydlu a llunio cylch gwaith ar gyfer grŵp llywio arfaethedig. 

                                                                                                         10.10 a.m.

A copy of a report by the Housing Care and Support Manager, which provided information regarding the North Wales Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment (GTANA) undertaken by Bangor University had been distributed with the papers for the meeting.

The County Councils of Denbighshire, Flintshire, Conwy, Ynys Môn, and Gwynedd jointly commissioned Bangor University to undertake research and assess unmet accommodation need for Gypsies and Travellers.  The collaborative approach had been in line with WG guidance which urged “Local Authorities to work in a regional capacity and share the legal, moral, financial and political responsibility to address the accommodation inequality experienced by the Gypsy and Traveller community in Wales” (Travelling to a Better Future, WG).

The study had concluded that Denbighshire should be required to provide 2 residential pitches for Gypsies and Travellers, each to accommodate up to 4 caravans, and one transit pitch to accommodate up to 7 caravans on a short term basis to be developed on a sub-regional basis with Conwy County Borough Council.  It had been recommended that the Scrutiny Committee support the proposed composition of the Steering Group to drive the recommendations forward.  The HHCD outlined the legal implications of failing to take action which could also result in an increase in illegal encampments.  Details of problems recently experienced by a local business were outlined by Councillor H.C. Irving who highlighted the need to be proactive and address the issue.

The Executive Summary to the Bangor University North Wales GTANA contained key findings and recommendations and had been attached as Appendix 1.

Current site provision across the partaking LAs included a total of 78 pitches; 66 of being situated within Flintshire and 12 within Gywnedd.  The report indicated that site provision should be increased by a further 62 residential pitches and 28 transit caravan spaces by 2016.  The growth requirement for residential pitches had been identified per LA, with transit requirements being identified only as a regional figure.  It was being recommended that collaboratively the partaking LAs identify and develop three or four transit sites across the region each accommodating up to seven caravans.  With regard to static provision it had been identified that Denbighshire should make provision for two residential pitches.  In reply to Councillor R.M. Murray, it was explained that reference had been made to the minimum provision and any site recommended would be subject to the Planning process. 

Legal advice sought had indicated that the GTANA be adopted as it had identified an accommodation need within Denbighshire which the Council would be obliged to respond to.  This requirement would be strengthened by the WG in the forthcoming White Paper whereby LAs would be mandated to provide sites for the Gypsy and Traveller Community where there was evidence that a need existed.  It would be important for the Council to open up a dialogue with the Gypsy and Traveller Community to ensure their needs would be met by the proposed sites which may be offered.  Conwy County Borough Council was undergoing a similar process and it had been suggested that the Working Group should take the opportunity to collaborate where appropriate, particularly in relation to the provision of a sub-regional transit pitch.  The HHCD confirmed that where sites had been provided following dialogue with the Gypsy and Traveller Community the number of illegal encampments had subsequently decreased.  Councillor C.H. Williams explained that he understood the legal implications relating to the provision of sites, but would find it difficult to voluntary support the provision of sites for people who continually flouted the law.

Members were informed of the statutory obligation to provide sites and it was confirmed that charges would be imposed for sites provided and these could be incorporated in the options appraisal.  The HHCD confirmed that privately owned sites would be financed by its occupiers and a full cost appraisal would be required for sites provided by the Council.

Within its Corporate Plan Denbighshire had listed the following as priorities:-

·                         Vulnerable People were protected and able to live as independently as possible.

·                       Ensuring access to good quality housing.

Councillor T.R. Hughes spoke against the proposed recommendations in the report and made reference to the adverse impact on the Council of the recent WG announcement regarding funding cuts.  Councillor M.L. Holland felt that the provision of small sites would ensure that the Council retained control over their operation, and he expressed the view that a request be made to WG to provide funding towards the provision of such sites.

Details of possible financial implications and the requirement of additional resources had been included in the report, together with, the consultation process undertaken and possible risks and measures implemented to address them.  An Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) on the findings of the Bangor University GTANA had not been undertaken.  However, a full EIA would be completed as part of the options appraisal for any recommendations made by the Steering Group to Council.

In response to a request from the Chair, the HHCD agreed to incorporate in the report to Council, the current costs relating to the removal of settlers from illegal encampments.  He highlighted the difficulties which could be encountered in providing definitive costs relating to the provision of sites, due to the number of variables to be addressed prior to undertaking an options appraisal.  The HHCD explained that the report sought the Committee’s support for the principle relating to the provision of accommodation for North Wales Gypsies and Travellers.

During the ensuing discussion Councillor W. Mullen-James proposed, and Councillor R.M. Murray seconded, recommendation 3.1 in the report.  As the voting was tied with 3 votes for and 3 votes against, the Chair exercised his casting vote against the recommendation.  Councillor W. Mullen-James proposed, and Councillor R.M. Murray seconded, recommendation 3.2 in the report.  Again as the voting was tied at 3 votes for and 3 votes against, the Chair exercised his casting vote against the recommendation.

Consequently, the Committee, in acknowledging that the GTANA’s recommendations would be presented to County Council in due course requested that its views be reported to Council and that the report presented to County Council include estimated costs to the Council of providing the recommended sites, including maintenance and administration costs, and the economic benefits to the county of providing sites, the approximate costs involved if the Gypsy and Traveller community managed and ran the sites themselves, as well as details of the costs the Council currently incurs in clearing illegal encampments.  The Committee:

RESOLVED –

(a)          to note the recommendations of the Bangor University Report; that Denbighshire should be required to provide 2 residential pitches for Gypsies and Travellers (each of which could accommodate up to 4 caravans) and one transit pitch which could accommodate up to 7 caravans on a short term basis - to be developed on a sub-regional basis with Conwy County Borough Council, and

(b)          to note, but not support, the proposed composition and remit of the Steering Group, as outlined in Appendix 2 to the report; and

(c)    that the further details and costings requested above be incorporated into the report that will be presented to County Council in due course.