Assessing local housing authorities’ progress in meeting the accommodation needs of Gypsy and Traveller communities in England

Abstract

There is a recognised national shortfall in Gypsy and Traveller site pitches (the prime form
\nof culturally appropriate accommodation for Gypsies and Travellers in England – a pitch
\nrefers to the land required for one household). In order to address this, the Housing Act
\n2004 requires local housing authorities to carry out assessments of the accommodation
\nneeds of Gypsies and Travellers. Those assessments must identify the extent of
\nrequirements and inform the development of long-term strategies to meet accommodation
\nneeds. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) Circular 01/2006 Planning for Gypsy
\nand Traveller Caravan Sites, set out the new approach to needs-based planning to
\nfacilitate additional site provision to meet current shortfalls. The purpose of this research
\nwas to take stock of the extent of accommodation provision since the publication of the
\nCRE report, Common Ground: Equality, good race relations and sites for Gypsies and Irish
\nTravellers and Circular 01/2006.