Issue - meetings
York Travellers Sites - Rent Increase Petition 2014/15
Meeting: 10/02/2015 - Decision Session - Executive Member for Economy and Strategic Planning (Item 57)
57 York Gypsy Roma & Travellers Sites- Rent Increase Petition 
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On 9 December 2014 the Council received a petition signed by residents of York’s three Gypsy Roma & Travellers sites. The petition relates to the 2014/15 travellers site rent increase, the first stage of which was implemented in April 2014 and the second stage of which was implemented on the 1st December. The petition stated ‘We do NOT agree to these increased pitch fees’. This report provides the background to this petition and asks for a decision on how to proceed.
Decision:
Resolved: That option 1, to continue to support the second phase of the rent increase which was implemented on 1 December 2014, be approved
Reason: Phase 2 of the increase has been independently agreed to and paid by all of pitch holders. This additional funding will be used to appoint a site manager/supervisor to improve the support and management of the sites.
Minutes:
The Cabinet Member considered a report that provided the background to a petition signed by residents of York’s three Gypsy Roma & Travellers sites and asked her for a decision on how to proceed.
The petition related to the 2014/15 travellers site rent increase, the first stage of which was implemented in April 2014 and the second stage of which was implemented on the 1December 2014. The petition stated ‘We do NOT agree to these increased pitch fees’.
In reference to comments made by the speaker under Public Participation, the Director of Communities and Neighbourhoods confirmed that they were currently seeking advice in regards to legal issues over pitch fees. She also added that the Council was aware of the need for managing the sites but wanted to work with York Travellers Trust.
The Cabinet Member added that better site management had to be funded from rents and highlighted that other organisations in the region charged more to manage their sites effectively.
Resolved: That option 1, to continue to support the second phase of the rent increase which was implemented on 1 December 2014, be approved
Reason: Phase 2 of the increase has been independently agreed to and paid by all of pitch holders. This additional funding will be used to appoint a site manager/supervisor to improve the support and management of the sites.