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ITEM EX20 - ANNEX 1

EXECUTIVE – 15 MARCH 2005

TRAVELLER POLICY

OXFORDSHIRE GYPSY AND TRAVELLER SERVICE

DRAFT BUSINESS PLAN 2005/06

The Oxfordshire Gypsy and Traveller Service will:

  1. Manage Oxfordshire County Council permanent sites; ensuring the appropriate needs, safety and welfare of residents are addressed.
  2. Address the welfare and health needs of Travellers on unauthorised encampments.
  3. Take a balanced approach regarding the impact of unauthorised encampments on local communities.

Our objectives are:

  • That permanent sites are well managed and maintained.
  • To communicate and regularly consult with Oxfordshire County Council site residents.
  • To liaise with other Oxfordshire County Council Directorates and external agencies to ensure equitable access to services of gypsies and travelers.
  • To respond to unauthorised encampments with reference to legislation and good practice guidance and County Council policy.

Our Work Plan for 2005/06 will include:

  • Routine maintenance of sites, focusing on health, safety and environmental issues.
  • Developing appropriate performance measures.
  • Undertake, with Office of the Deputy Prime Minister grant assistance, a refurbishment programme on all sites.
  • Develop consultation processes with residents to build up trust and confidence.
  • Establish on going multi-agency liaison to achieve our objectives.
  • Re-establish the effective partnership between Oxfordshire County Council/Thames Valley Police to address unauthorised encampments.

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