Decision

The North Yorkshire Council Unauthorised Encampment Policy and Joint Working Protocol is approved.

Reasons for the decision

A consistent approach to addressing the issues arising from unauthorised encampments is required across North Yorkshire and the draft policy attached to this report is intended to achieve that objective. In addition, a joint working protocol will clarify roles and responsibilities between NYC and the Police to ensure that there is accountability and communication when dealing with reported incidents.

Alternative options considered

Due to the fact that prior to NYC coming into existence there was no unified approach to unauthorised encampments across North Yorkshire this is the first policy designed to harmonise actions and to provide a framework for partnership working with NYP. As such this policy has been developed in consultation from scratch and is being presented as a draft for discussion. There are no alternative options which have been disregarded as part of this process but alternative working practices to the model suggested can be discussed before the policy is finally adopted.