Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Service Delivery, (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Director of Service Delivery updating Members on the current position of the Essex Countywide Traveller Unit (ECTU) and seeking approval to renew the Council’s membership arrangements from 1 April 2019.

Members were advised how the ECTU provided an innovative and effective control over unauthorised encampments with the added benefit of outreach work aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the traveller community. 

The Essex Countywide Traveller Committee was established as a joint committee in 2012 to coordinate and oversee the operation of the ECTU.  The Council’s three-year membership was due to expire on 31 March 2019 and the report set out the current and proposed costs and sought Members agreement of renewal for a three-year period.

The Director of Service Delivery when presenting the report advised Members that the figure detailed in the ‘impact on resources (financial)’ section of the report was incorrect and should be £7,989 as detailed in paragraph 3.3 of the report.

A few Members commented on and supported the recommendation as set out in the report.  It was noted that the remit of ECTU related only to public sector land and it was commented that the Council should ensure that where appropriate it provides advice to residents who may find themselves a victim of illegal encampments on private land.

RESOLVED that the Council’s membership of the Essex Countywide Traveller Committee is renewed in April 2019 for a three-year period.