Case Studies Part 3: Approaches to community cohesion Dealing with conflict

Bristol Approach to Community Cohesion with Gypsies and Travellers Ian Holding Gypsy and Traveller Coordinator Rachel Gordon Commissioning Project Officer Bristol City Council

Summary of approaches Integration with council community cohesion strategy Fulfilling requirements on race equality –Decent home –Planning process and racist representation Community engagement strategy –Myth Busting Booklet –Community Survey –Community Action –Community newsletter On-going community development

Community Cohesion Strategy Vision Bristol will be a place where Gypsies and Travellers feel included and where our diverse communities can build a safe, healthy and vibrant community based on mutual respect where people are proud to live, work, play and learn

Community Cohesion There is a common sense of belonging for all sections of the community The diversity of people’s backgrounds and circumstances are appreciated and positively valued Those from different backgrounds within the community have similar life opportunities Strong and positive relationships are being developed between people from different backgrounds in the workplace, in schools and within communities.

Fulfilling requirements on race equality Duty Promote Equality of Opportunity Promote equality – decent home for all racial groups Ensure racial tension do not develop Race Relations (Amendment ) Act 2000

Decent Home? Location Design Management Safety – fire & electricity, children

Planning Process Role in Race Relations Racist Representations / Campaigns Moral / Legal obligations to rebut Race Relations Acts 2000 & 1976 Section 31 unlawful to induce discrimination Section 33 unlawful for LA and Officers to aid /abet discrimination by failing to challenge Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 – Dealing with Racist Material Public Order Act 1986 – Racial Hatred RTPI Code of Professional Conduct Practice Guidance Note: “Planning Authorities and Racist Representations”

Racist Representations Words, phrases or comments which are likely to: Be offensive to a particular racial/ethnic group Be racially abusive, insulting or threatening Apply pressure to discriminate Stir up racial hatred or contempt

Communication Ensure Public Know Pressure to / discriminate not lawful Will not influence outcome / decisions Racist representations - approach of Authority Racist letters return to sender

Community Engagement Required by Planning Act 2004 – SCI ODPM Circular 1/06 Race Relations Acts – Race Impact Assessments Assessing Gypsy and Traveller Community Capacity / Resources – 1/06 LPA consider providing funding to Gypsy and Traveller groups Planning for Real Gives element of control to consultees Capture the curious / hard to reach Big Public Meetings = Bad news / community conflict

Work Collaboratively Connect with Gypsies and Travellers in ways that they can identify with Plan for Involvement – from the start

Effective Involvement Effective Involvement = Good Understanding of make up of Gypsy and Traveller community locally Understanding of their needs and interests Their capacity to engage Their needs for resources and support - note ODPM Circ 1/06 para 29 LPA consider funding

Community Involvement Collaborate and engage with Gypsies and Travellers – Race Impact – SCI Understand community – needs, make up Their needs for support and resources – Funding They are not bureaucrats they do not understand your ways - you have to understand them It is ESSENTIAL

How we did it Went out to Gypsy and Traveller Community to establish working group Scribe – Academic with track record of Gypsy and Traveller work

Outcomes Brought local politicians on board Good Media coverage – official launch Brought together different Gypsies and Travellers Positive local authority contact with Gypsy and Traveller community

Ongoing Community Development Community Survey – Findings Community Newsletter – Vale Voice Steering Group set up - Newsletter editorial - Community Action Forum Front Gardens Competition

Hints & Tips & Useful Tools Equalities – RR(A) Act Existing Reports CRE, IPPR, OFSTED Engage and collaborate with Gypsies and Travellers Planning For Real Process & Models Consultation is NOT a packed public hall baying for Gypsy blood

Your response Are Gypsy and Traveller issues specifically acknowledged and addressed in your race equality and community cohesion plans and strategies?