Northamptonshire council trial out-of-hours camp reporting
The trial is being run by the Northamptonshire Traveller Unit (NTU) alongside a contractor.
'Needs of all residents'
After a report was made out-of-hours, a contractor would carry out a full assessment, including statutory health and welfare checks. This would enable the NTU to make a decision on how to manage the encampment the next working day and refer any occupants needing support to partner agencies more quickly.Jason Smithers, leader of the council, said: "As a council, we have a duty to consider the needs of all residents, both temporary and permanent. "The NTU must balance the needs of the occupants of the encampment with the impact on the surrounding area."Removing an encampment is always seen as a necessary last resort."
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