Issue - meetings

To advise Cabinet of the considerations undertaken and subsequent recommendations brought forward by the cross-party members working group for unauthorised encampments

The report contains items considered and options reviewed in reaching a consolidated policy for the management of encampments and the future options for the control of unauthorised encampments across BCP Council. This includes the recommendations for:

1.         Policies for the management of future encampments

2.         Policies regarding target hardening of sites

3.         The feasibility for pre-emptive injunctions

4.       The feasibility of providing alternative stopping places

RESOLVED that:-

(a)          Cabinet adopt the revised policy for the management of unauthorised encampments across BCP Council;

(b)          The working party be asked to explore the following options: the feasibility of providing alternative stopping places; the use of pre-emptive injunction against trespass; target hardening and management of incursions.  Their recommendations to be brought back to Cabinet within four months including the necessary governance, resources and consultation that would be required; and

(c)          a balanced approach to target hardening as local circumstance dictate be adopted.

Voting: 7:2

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 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Cabinet were advised of the considerations undertaken and subsequent recommendations brought forward by the cross-party members working group for unauthorised encampments.

Cabinet were informed that the report contained items considered and options reviewed in reaching a consolidated policy for the management of encampments and the future options for the control of unauthorised encampments across BCP Council. Including the recommendations for:

1. Policies for the management of future encampments
2. Policies regarding target hardening of sites
3. The feasibility for pre-emptive injunctions
4. The feasibility of providing alternative stopping places

The Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Board addressed Cabinet advising that at their recent meeting the Board resolved to make the following recommendation to Cabinet in respect of this item.

The Overview and Scrutiny Board recommend to Cabinet that the recommendation outlined in the Cabinet report at ‘b’ should not move forward for approval by Cabinet.

Cabinet Members spoke in support of the report and of the importance of consultation. In addition Cabinet discussed the impact of the removal of recommendation ‘b’ as proposed by the Overview and Scrutiny Board.

The proposal to remove recommendation ‘b’ was put forwards by Councillor Phipps, this was seconded by Councillor Dedman but fell upon being put to the vote, with voting 2 For and 7 Against.

RESOLVED that:-

(a)          Cabinet adopt the revised policy for the management of unauthorised encampments across BCP Council;

(b)          The working party be asked to explore the following options: the feasibility of providing alternative stopping places; the use of pre-emptive injunction against trespass; target hardening and management of incursions.  Their recommendations to be brought back to Cabinet within four months including the necessary governance, resources and consultation that would be required; and

(c)          a balanced approach to target hardening as local circumstance dictate be adopted.

Voting: 7:2

Portfolio Holder: Environment and Climate Change