Issue - meetings

The purpose of this report is to seek approval for the capital funding necessary for the construction of a gypsy and traveller transit site together with an ongoing revenue contribution towards the maintenance of the site. Each of the Surrey district and borough councils are asked to make a financial contribution towards the site, with the exception of the host borough.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved with 8 Members voting for, 1 Member against and the Chairman not voting, to:

(1)      Agree a capital contribution of £127,000 towards the construction of a gypsy traveller transit site.

(2)      Agree an annual revenue contribution of £7,500 towards the maintenance of the site.

The Committee received a report seeking approval for the capital funding necessary for the construction of a gypsy and traveller transit site together with an ongoing revenue contribution towards the maintenance of the site. Each of the Surrey district and borough councils had been asked to make a financial contribution towards the site, with the exception of the host borough.

The following matters were raised by the Committee:

a)            Contribution: Following a question from a Member, the Officer confirmed that contributions had been agreed from the 10 other Surrey districts and boroughs, and that Epsom and Ewell are the last to consider.

b)           Costs incurred over the years: Members highlighted the costs incurred from travellers over the years, including both monetary costs from injunctions and physical costs such as disruption to residents, Officer resourcing, clear-ups and time going to court. The Officer noted that a calculation of such monetary costs could be calculated after the meeting and circulated to Members.

c)            Deposits for Transit Site: Members noted that it would be expected for visitors of the Transit Site to pay a deposit in advance of their stay, which would be returned providing that they depart the site leaving it in good fashion.

Following consideration, the Committee resolved with 8 Members voting for, 1 Member against and the Chairman not voting, to:

(1)      Agree a capital contribution of £127,000 towards the construction of a gypsy traveller transit site.

(2)      Agree an annual revenue contribution of £7,500 towards the maintenance of the site.