Issue - meetings

To advise Cabinet of the variance in policy and practice for unauthorised encampments in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and recommend a way forward to develop a revised policy. 

RESOLVED that Cabinet establish a cross-party member working group, as outlined in para 27 to;

(a)            expediate actions as a matter of urgency in anticipation of incursions for summer 2020; and

(b)            consider the alignment of policies and procedures across the Council area and report back to Cabinet.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment and Climate Change

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet were advised of a variance in the policy and practice for unauthorised encampments in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, and were requested to consider a way forward in order to develop a revised policy.

In presenting the report the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Climate Change advised that the cross-party member working group referred to in paragraph 27 of the report would comprise of 7 councillors.

A Member of Overview and Scrutiny advised that the Board at its recent meeting recommended that Cabinet establish a cross-party member working group as outlined in para 27, to;

1.              expediate actions as a matter of urgency in anticipation of incursions for summer 2020; and

2.               consider the alignment of policies and procedures across the council area and report back to Cabinet

Cabinet discussed the impact that incursions have across the BCP Council area and the impact it has on residents.

RESOLVED that Cabinet establish a cross-party member working group, as outlined in para 27 to;

(a)            expediate actions as a matter of urgency in anticipation of incursions for summer 2020; and

(b)            consider the alignment of policies and procedures across the Council area and report back to Cabinet.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment and Climate Change