Agenda item

The PCC report contains a briefing on Force and LPA Unauthorised Encampment Performance data, training, and our response to Unauthorised Encampments (UE) in Thames Valley Police. It also contains an overview of how TVP are working with Local Authorities in the Thames Valley to provide a consistent response to Unauthorised Encampments.

The PCC provided a report which contained a briefing on Force and LPA Unauthorised Encampment Performance data, training, and the response to Unauthorised Encampments (UE) in Thames Valley Police. The report also contained an overview of how TVP were working with Local Authorities in the Thames Valley to provide a consistent response to Unauthorised Encampments.

The PCC informed the Panel that the issue of concern was the initial assessment made by the Force at an early stage on encampments.

Members’ Questions

(1)  In 2022, there were 386 reported unauthorised encampments and of those, there were only 16 Section 61s used. What was the status of those other reports?

[The PCC reported that the data did not show when local authorities and landowners took their own action or the travellers moved on their own accord. Section 61 is only used when proportionate action is required.]

(2)  A Member referred to the solution of unauthorised encampments which was finding sites and asked why this was being reported to the Panel.]

[The PCC replied that unauthorised encampments had been in the Panel’s work programme since Tackling Illegal Encampments was included as one of his priorities in his Police and Criminal Justice Plan.

In response to a query regarding the difference between illegal and unauthorised encampments, the PCC replied that it was semantics, as any encampment was a civil breach and if the encampment was unauthorised, it was illegal.]

(3)   Reading accounted for 50% of Section 60s used, with the Council working with other Councils in looking to create spaces and sites for permanency. There was planning approval for a temporary site. The PCC was asked where was the tipping point for issuing Section 60s?

[The PCC replied that the challenge was what was classed as significant, which could vary. Officers were allowed to make reasonable judgements which created a challenge around managing expectations. The Force’s use of these powers was used proportionally and appropriately. Training for Inspectors required strengthening.]

(4)   A joint working protocol in relation to unauthorised encampments was established between TVP and local authorities in 2018 but has been updated after a series of consultations. Could the PCC provide the Panel with a copy of this?

[The PCC reported that the protocol provided clarity on responsibilities on the process and agreed to circulate the updated protocol.]

(5)  The PCC was asked to reappraise the priorities in his Police and Criminal Justice Plan in view of the higher crimes of violence against women and girls and domestic abuse, compared to the number of unauthorised encampments.

[The PCC reported that there was a huge amount of work being carried out in relation to violence against women and girls and domestic abuse and there was a strong emphasis through his Police and Criminal Justice Plan. The tackling of illegal encampments caused concern for residents and was not a major priority as such but was an issue that many residents wanted tackling. It did not take much resource.]

RESOLVED – That the report of the PCC and the information report be noted and the updated joint working protocol in relation to unauthorised encampments be circulated to Panel Members.