Issue - meetings

That:

1)        signing of the joint protocol with the Thames Valley Police for dealing with unauthorised encampments across the Thames Valley Police operating area be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services;

2)        the use of additional legal options available to Wokingham Borough Council be authorised for dealing with unauthorised encampments.

The Executive considered a report setting out a proposed joint protocol with Thames Valley Police which would provide a collective and consistent approach when dealing with unauthorised encampments using all legal remedies available.

Members were informed by the Executive Member for Planning and Enforcement that the proposed policy would provide a broader range of options for dealing with encampments.  The options would include using common law which would mean that the Council, with Police support, would not need to apply to the courts.  There were also options being looked at which would allow the Council to potentially impound unauthorised vehicles and sell them and use that to defray any costs that had been incurred in removing them in the first place.  It was noted that there would be a similar set of powers across the whole of the Thames Valley area which would make things easier for the Police and Local Authorities as wherever the incursions occurred the approach would be the same.

RESOLVED that:

1)        signing of the joint protocol with the Thames Valley Police for dealing with unauthorised encampments across the Thames Valley Police operating area be delegated to the Director of Corporate Services;

2)        the use of additional legal options available to Wokingham Borough Council be authorised for dealing with unauthorised encampments.