Agenda item

This report sets out Brent’s new Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework and Action Plan including the commitments that Brent Council makes to supporting its Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and how it will deliver and monitor progress and impact. The Framework has been informed by engagement with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities with a summary of consultation and engagement findings included within the draft Framework and detailed Action Plan to sit alongside the Framework.

Prior to considering the report, Cabinet NOTED the following representations received at the meeting:

Whilst welcoming the Council’s acknowledgment of the need to do better in seeking to meet the needs of traveller communities in Brent and recognising that some progress had been made, John O’Donnell (representing residents from the Lynton Close Travelers site) supported by Bernie Corcoran (as a fellow resident) and Rhianna Ketley (London Gypsy and Travellers Association), having thanked the Leader of the Council for the opportunity to speak, advised he was also seeking to outline concerns which remained in relation to development of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework.  Members were advised these related to the limited progress made in terms of the identification and provision of temporary sites, despite this being raised as a priority by community members in view of the severe overcrowding on the Lynton Close site impacting on the health, safety and wellbeing of residents.  As such he advised residents were keen to ensure the Council moved forward as quickly as possible in seeking to identify suitable temporary sites to address the overcrowding concerns outlined and avoid Travellers needing to move to unallocated transit sites whilst permanent provision was being developed.

Having thanked Mr O’Donnell for attending the meeting and representations received the Leader then invited Councillor Robert Johnson (as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security) to respond to the comments made prior to formally introducing the report on the Framework.

In taking the opportunity to thank those present for attending to ensure the views of the traveller community at Lynton Close were represented, Councillor Johnson, in seeking to address the concerns highlighted, confirmed that an independent search company had been commissioned to support the identification of temporary traveller sites.  Highlighting that the provision of any sites (once identified) would also require the necessary planning consent to be obtained Councillor Johnson advised that the Council remained committed to making alternative accommodation available, although it was acknowledged this would be through the Council’s temporary accommodation supply, as opposed to pitch sites.  In highlighting examples of the other measures also introduced to support the community on the Lynton Close site, Councillor Johnson ended by once again acknowledging the concerns highlighted and committing to presenting the findings of the independent search company back to Cabinet, in order for any feasible sites identified to be taken forward.

Having noted the representations made and commitment identified to continue working with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities to achieve positive outcomes, build trust and ensure their needs continued to be met, Cabinet RESOLVED to approve Brent’s new Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030 (as set out within Appendix A of the accompanying report).

Eligible for call-in: Yes

Deadline for submission of call-in: 6pm on Monday 14 September 2026

Prior to considering the report, Councillor Muhammed Butt (as Leader of the Council) welcomed John O’Donnell (representing residents from the Lynton Close Travellers site) supported by Bernie Corcoran (as a fellow resident) and Rhianna Ketley (London Gypsy and Travellers Association) to the meeting whom he advised had requested to speak in relation to development of the Brent Gypsy, Roma & Traveller Framework.

Whilst welcoming the Council’s acknowledgment of the need to do better in seeking to meet the needs of traveller communities in Brent and recognising that some progress had been made, John O’Donnell, having thanked the Leader for the opportunity to speak, advised he was also seeking to outline concerns which remained in relation to development of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework.  Members were advised these related to the limited progress made in terms of the identification and provision of temporary sites, despite this being raised as a priority by community members in view of the severe overcrowding on the Lynton Close site currently impacting on the health, safety and wellbeing of residents.  As such he advised residents were keen to ensure the Council moved forward as quickly as possible in seeking to identify suitable temporary sites to address the overcrowding concerns outlined and avoid Travellers needing to move to unallocated transit sites whilst more permanent provision was being developed.

Having thanked Mr O’Donnell for attending the meeting and representations received, the Leader then invited Councillor Robert Johnson (as Cabinet Member for Housing, Homelessness and Renters Security) to respond to the comments made prior to formally introducing the report on the Framework.

In taking the opportunity to thank those present for attending, Councillor Johnson, in seeking to address the concerns highlighted, confirmed that an independent search company had been commissioned to support the identification of temporary traveller sites.  Highlighting that the provision of any sites (once identified) would also require necessary planning consent to be obtained, Councillor Johnson advised that the Council remained committed to making alternative accommodation available, although it was acknowledged that this would be through the Council’s temporary accommodation supply, as opposed to pitch sites.  In highlighting examples of the other measures also introduced to support the community on the Lynton Close site, Councillor Johnson ended by once again acknowledging the concerns highlighted and committing to presenting the findings of the independent search company back to Cabinet, in order for any feasible sites identified to be taken forward.

Having noted the representations made and commitment identified to continue working with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities to achieve positive outcomes, build trust and ensure their needs continued to be met the Leader then invited Councillor Johnson to introduce the report from the Corporate Director, Resident and Housing Services outlining Brent’s new Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework and Action Plan.

In presenting the report, Councillor Johnson began by recognising that it had been more than a decade since Brent had a dedicated framework in place for its Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities acknowledging the impact on those residents in also feeling underrepresented, which it was felt the framework provided an opportunity to address.  In seeking to be open about the past, members were advised that the report had been clear in acknowledging the mistakes made in terms of the Council’s relationship with Brent’s Gypsy and Traveller community and in accepting that the need to rebuild trust would take time, consistency and a willingness to listen.

Whilst recognising the progress which it had been possible to make in terms of engagement with residents, dedicated liaison roles and working with trusted organisations, the ongoing work required was acknowledged, with the framework setting out three clear priorities for this to be focused on.  These had been structured around providing safe and suitable sites, building stronger relationships, and making sure Council services were accessible and culturally appropriate with members reminded that the commitments made had also been supported by up to £500,000 of capital investment for improvements at Lynton Close.

In highlighting that Brent also had the third largest Roma population in England and Wales, Councillor Johnson also acknowledged the limited understanding and engagement with Brent’s Roma community with the commitment to develop a dedicated Roma community engagement plan also identified as an important element of the Framework.  In support of the Framework, Councillor Johnson ended by outlining his commitment to ensure that the relationships being built with the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities in Brent were ones that would last and on which progress would be reported back to Cabinet on an annual basis enabling members to assess how the commitments were translating into genuine improvements for residents.

In considering the report, Cabinet welcomed what was felt to be the constructive nature of the Framework and commitment in seeking to continue strengthening relationshipswith the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities across Brent recognising their historical exclusion and focus on improving outcomes, increasing inclusion and ensuring services were more responsive to community needs. Drawing attention to Brent’s role as one of only a small number of London boroughs maintaining a dedicated traveller site, Members highlighted the trust and respect already established with the travelling community, whilst acknowledging that further work remained necessary to address accommodation needs and identify suitable permanent and temporary site provision. The importance of continued engagement with community representatives and ensuring their voices were heard directly within the decision-making process was also particularly welcomed.

The Framework’s wider focus and contribution in seeking to enhance community cohesion, resident engagement and equality of access to services was also commended with members noting its close alignment with the Council’s broader objectives relating to culture, inclusion and cost of living support and supportive of the commitment to ongoing consultation and communication.  At the same time, the need was also identified to ensure the Framework avoided operating in isolation and instead formed part of a wider programme of community-focused activity designed to build more sustainable relationships and ensure that all residents felt respected, included and able to access the opportunities and support available across the borough.

Recognising that further work was required to improve understanding of the specific needs of different groups, such as Roma communities, Cabinet expressed support for the approach identified within the Framework to ensure services were not only able to better reflect community needs but also respond more effectively to concerns and priorities identified by residents.  Members also welcomed the Framework’s focus on recognising and celebrating the cultural heritage, identity and contribution of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, with members keen to ensure the Council’s approach extended beyond addressing disadvantage and service needs and also promoted opportunities to celebrate cultural identity through libraries, community facilities, cultural programmes and wider engagement activities recognising the importance of this approach as an additional means of fostering greater understanding, integration and community cohesion across the borough.

In closing the debate, Councillor Butt (as Leader of the Council)reiterated the commitment already made to continue working alongside communities with the aim of improving outcomes and strengthening trust and, as part of this approach, again reminded members of the intention to review progress on delivery of the Framework annually in order to maintain accountability and monitor delivery against the commitments identified.  The Council’s existing investment in services supporting the Traveller community at Lynton Close was also recognised alongside the need to continue work in seeking to further improve access to services, accommodation provision and community support and emphasis placed on the importance in turning strategic commitments into practical action, with the annual reporting arrangements viewed as an important mechanism for ensuring progress was achieved and outcomes delivered.

In welcoming the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Community Framework as a strategic programme designed to improve inclusion, strengthen relationships with communities, enhance access to services, support the provision of safe and stable accommodation, celebrate cultural identity and establish a structured framework for ongoing engagement and accountability, Cabinet RESOLVED to approve Brent’s new Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Framework and Action Plan 2026-2030 (as set out within Appendix A of the accompanying report).