Decision details

To enter into a 3 year Essex Countywide Traveller Committee Agreement, commencing from 1st April 2019.
The agreement between 13 public sector bodies across Essex, sets out joint arrangements to provide an operational unit to discharge their functions in respect of Traveller issues.
The agreement is in the same terms, save for minor updates, of the previous 3.5 year agreement that expired on 31st March 2019. Tendring District Council’s annual financial contribution to the operational unit is £7,989.00 per annum for the duration of the agreement.
The operational unit, known as Essex Countywide Traveller Unit (ECTU), has delivered a successful service in the District since it was set up in 2012. The annual subscription is seen as an insurance policy as it covers ECTU dealing with all unauthorised encampments on public land in the district.
Given the level of service received so far, and the level of support for ECTU across the county, it is logical to continue the arrangement. The number of encampments experienced in the district in recent years has grown and the subscription cost is viewed by officers as offering value for money.
There are no notable risks. Membership of ECTU actually reduces the risk of becoming overwhelmed by a large encampment or number of encampments and potentially higher associated costs than the financial contribution.

To enter into a 3 year Essex Countywide Traveller Committee Agreement, commencing from 1st April 2019.

The alternative is not to be a member. As mentioned above, a large encampment or a large number of encampments could cost more to deal with than the annual financial contribution to ECTU, taking into account officer time and court / bailiff fees.