To revise and update Kent County Council’s (KCC) Gypsy and Traveller Service Allocations Policy and to the introduction of a service charge which will be subject to an annual increase in line with the Retail Price Index (RPI) for all plots on KCC managed sites, which will be used to maintain and support reasonable living standards for site residents.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects more than two Electoral Divisions;
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 09/01/2018
Decision due: Not before 18th Jul 2018 by Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services
Reason: In order that the proposed decision can be published for a minimum of 28 days, in accordance with statutory requirements
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services
Lead director: Katie Stewart
Contact: Palminder Sandher 03000 413451 Email: palminder.sandher@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
Yes this has gone out to consultation and the closing date is: 20th December 2017.
We consulted:-
1. All of our site residents households across all affected sites
2. All affected district and borough councils specifically the Housing Benefit Departments x 6
3. Friends Families and Travellers (G&T Advocate Group)
4. KCC online consultation for all interested parties
This will go to the Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee on 31st January 2018
All Divisions are affected.
Financial implications: In summary, not implementing the service charge would lead to either the deterioration or closure of existing sites. So despite considering alternative approaches, it was clear that charging a service charge would be the best approach to protect the service and continue to deliver for residents and KCC has endeavoured to keep this charge well below rental market costs.
Legal implications: Kent County Council (KCC) does not have a legal duty to provide sites in Kent for the Gypsy and Traveller community. This is a statutory duty placed upon the district and borough councils to discharge as part of their local plans. All local councils are required to produce an up-to-date Local Plan for their area, to guide the spatial development of the borough.
Equalities implications: EQIA’s have been completed to ensure these implications have been factored in and mitigated against where appropriate. Ensure that the council’s policies on Equality and Human Rights and customer care are met and promote the health and safety in quiet enjoyment of pitches by all its site residents and ensure that the operation of the allocation policy assists in meeting that outcome. Acknowledge that the gypsy and traveller communities belong to recognised ethnic groups and are protected groups under the Equality Act 2010.