The Portfolio Holder for Housing & Health presented the report which proposed a Gypsy and Traveller Allocations Policy in relation to Romani Way, Edenbridge. The Housing & Health Advisory Committee had considered the same report and supported the recommendation that the policy be approved and adopted.

The Housing Strategy Manager advised Members that as part of the agreed Sevenoaks District Housing Accommodation Policy, it was recommended that applications for vacant pitches on the site would be required to join the Housing Register. The new policy would bring the process in line with the advertisement and letting of social housing within the district and provide a fair and transparent method of allocating pitches when they become available. Officers had attended a meeting with residents in March 2023 to discuss the policy and assess their needs. Feedback and turn out had been positive.

Members were further advised that the policy was open to comments and would be kept under constant review. She explained that revisions had been made to the report which included updated exclusions to the register to tackle the use of threatening language or behaviour to any officer of the Council or agent or any persons attending sites on behalf of the Council. The decision to exclude an applicant would be made by the Housing Register Allocation Panel. This would take into account any supporting information from the applicant, current or previous landlords, the Police and any other relevant professional body.

Members discussed the report and asked questions of clarification. Members agreed that an annual review of the Policy would be advisable.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Resolved: That the draft Gypsy and Traveller Allocation Policy, be approved and adopted for implementation.