Highland Council updates Multi Agency Action Plan for Gypsy/Travellers in the Highlands

Members of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee have welcomed progress on the implementation of a Multi Agency Action Plan for Gypsy/Travellers in the Highlands.

Members also agreed to a new set of actions for inclusion in the plan and revisions to the Unauthorised Encampment Policy and Procedures.

The Multi Agency Action Plan for Gypsy/Travellers in the Highlands was developed by a range of public sector agencies in Highland to promote equality and provide a consistent partnership approach to Gypsy/Traveller issues. The key agencies include The Highland Council; NHS Highland; Highlands and Islands Enterprise; Northern Constabulary; and Highland Fire and Rescue Services.

Councillor Margaret Davidson, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee said: “These policies set a balance between the rights of Gypsy/Travellers with the rights of the settled community. Travellers need to understand the needs of the communities and the local community needs to understand the requirements of travellers. I welcome and support the work that staff across all agencies are carrying out to support Gypsy/Travellers.

“There are many unauthorised encampments each year in the Highlands and the policy on unauthorised encampments is intended to ensure effective coordination between the services, agencies, landowners and communities involved. We aim to take a coordinated and proportionate response to encampments based on what can be a complex legal framework.”

New actions proposed for the Action Plan and approved by members were to:

The previous policy and guidelines on managing unauthorised encampments in Highland was agreed by the Council’s Housing and Social Work Committee in March 2002.

A Member briefing session led by Dr Ian Taggart of The University of Aberdeen will be held at the Council Chamber, Inverness on Thursday 10 June 2010.

Copies of the revised Multi Agency Action Plan 2010/11 for Gypsy/Travellers in the Highlands and Unauthorised Encampment Policy and Procedures will be available on the Council’s website.