Gypsy & Traveller Accommodation Needs Assessment

226 Pages·2006·0.8 MB·English

by  Christiane Spivey

Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs
assessment for the Thames Valley region
Association of Councils of the Thames Valley Region
15 September 2006
Gypsy and Traveller needs assessment
Document control sheet
Client Association of Councils of the Thames Valley Region
Document Title Gypsy and Traveller accommodation needs assessment for the
Thames Valley region
Version 05
Status Final
Reference 15716 JC mc
Author Janet Clark
Date 15 September 2006
Further copies from email: [email protected] quoting reference and author

Quality assurance by:
Jane Luby

Document history
Version Date Author Comments
04 15 September 2006 Janet Clark

Contact details
Main point of Telephone Email address Postal address
contact number
Janet Clark 020 7323 7110 [email protected] 87-91 Newman Street
London
W1T 3EY

Version 05 - Final
i
Gypsy and Traveller needs assessment
Contents
1 Introduction...................................................................................................................8
1.1 The brief..............................................................................................................8
1.2 The methodology...............................................................................................10
2 Context for the research..............................................................................................16
2.1 Gypsy and Traveller accommodation assessments.........................................16
2.2 Gypsies and Travellers in the Thames Valley region........................................16
2.3 Accommodation used by Gypsies and Travellers.............................................17
2.4 Planning policy..................................................................................................18
2.5 Housing policy...................................................................................................18
2.6 Education policy................................................................................................19
2.7 Health policy......................................................................................................20
2.8 Supporting People policy...................................................................................20
3 Research Findings: Current Services.........................................................................22
3.1 Data sources.....................................................................................................22
3.2 Authorised sites.................................................................................................23
3.3 Unauthorised sites and encampments..............................................................28
3.4 Changes in provision across the region............................................................31
3.5 Housing.............................................................................................................32
3.6 Health................................................................................................................33
3.7 Education...........................................................................................................33
3.8 Housing related support....................................................................................33
4 Survey Findings..........................................................................................................34
4.1 Profile of the sample frame...............................................................................34
4.2 Current accommodation....................................................................................35
4.3 Accommodation preferences and aspirations...................................................36
4.4 Accommodation preferences by accommodation type.....................................37
4.5 Household composition.....................................................................................40
4.6 Concealed households......................................................................................41
4.7 Lack of space....................................................................................................42
4.8 Links to current area..........................................................................................43
4.9 Levels of vehicle ownership..............................................................................43
4.10 Ability to provide own accommodation..............................................................43
4.11 Views on site development................................................................................44
4.12 Education needs................................................................................................46
4.13 Health needs.....................................................................................................47
4.14 Housing related support needs.........................................................................49
4.15 Harassment.......................................................................................................51
Version 05 - Final
ii
Gypsy and Traveller needs assessment
4.16 Other services...................................................................................................51
5 Findings for Individual Communities...........................................................................53
5.1 Introduction........................................................................................................53
5.2 Research findings for English Gypsies.............................................................53
5.3 Research findings for Irish Travellers................................................................56
6 Calculation of Need for New Site Based Provision.....................................................60
6.1 Methodology for assessing need for new site accommodation........................60
6.2 The overall population to which the survey findings apply................................60
6.3 Need/preference for different types of accommodation....................................61
6.4 Vacancies arising on authorised sites...............................................................62
6.5 Assessment of need arising from unauthorised encampments or developments63
6.6 Assessment of need arising from people living in housing...............................63
6.7 Need arising from existing concealed households............................................64
6.8 Need arising from family formation over the next five years.............................64
6.9 Needs registered on site waiting lists................................................................65
6.10 Accuracy of the needs assessment..................................................................65
6.11 Distinguishing between needs and preferences...............................................65
6.12 Summary of regional needs..............................................................................66
6.13 Need for sites for owner occupation..................................................................67
6.14 Need for transit sites.........................................................................................68
6.15 Local needs.......................................................................................................69
7 Concluding Remarks...................................................................................................70
7.1 Unmet needs for accommodation.....................................................................70
7.2 Unmet needs for other services........................................................................70
7.3 Involving the local community...........................................................................71
7.4 Opportunities for regional collaboration............................................................71
7.5 Lessons from the study.....................................................................................72
8 Bracknell Forest........................................................................................................117
8.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................117
8.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................117
8.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................117
8.4 Local site information......................................................................................118
8.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................118
8.6 Service and needs information........................................................................118
8.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................119
8.8 Survey findings................................................................................................119
8.9 Summary of need............................................................................................119
9 Reading.....................................................................................................................123
Version 05 - Final
iii
Gypsy and Traveller needs assessment
9.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................123
9.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................123
9.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................123
9.4 Local site information......................................................................................123
9.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................123
9.6 Service and needs information........................................................................124
9.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................124
9.8 Survey findings................................................................................................124
9.9 Summary of need............................................................................................124
10 Slough.......................................................................................................................128
10.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................128
10.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................128
10.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................128
10.4 Local site information......................................................................................128
10.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................129
10.6 Service and needs information........................................................................129
10.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................129
10.8 Survey findings................................................................................................130
10.9 Summary of need............................................................................................130
11 West Berkshire..........................................................................................................134
11.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................134
11.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................134
11.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................134
11.4 Local site information......................................................................................135
11.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................135
11.6 Service and needs information........................................................................135
11.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................136
11.8 Survey findings................................................................................................136
11.9 Summary of need............................................................................................137
12 Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead............................................................140
12.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................140
12.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................140
12.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................140
12.4 Local site information......................................................................................141
12.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................141
12.6 Service and needs information........................................................................142
12.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................142
12.8 Survey findings................................................................................................143
Version 05 - Final
iv
Gypsy and Traveller needs assessment
12.9 Summary of need............................................................................................143
13 Wokingham...............................................................................................................146
13.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................146
13.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................146
13.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................146
13.4 Local site information......................................................................................146
13.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................148
13.6 Service and needs information........................................................................148
13.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................148
13.8 Survey findings................................................................................................149
13.9 Summary of need............................................................................................149
14 Oxfordshire................................................................................................................153
14.1 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................153
14.2 DCLG count data.............................................................................................153
14.3 Local site information......................................................................................153
14.4 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................153
14.5 Service and needs information........................................................................154
14.6 Local sample profile........................................................................................155
14.7 Survey findings................................................................................................155
14.8 Summary of need............................................................................................155
15 Cherwell....................................................................................................................157
15.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................157
15.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................157
15.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................157
15.4 Local site information......................................................................................157
15.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................158
15.6 Service and needs information........................................................................158
15.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................158
15.8 Survey findings................................................................................................159
15.9 Summary of need............................................................................................159
16 Oxford City................................................................................................................162
16.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................162
16.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................162
16.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................162
16.4 Local site information......................................................................................162
16.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................162
16.6 Service and needs information........................................................................163
16.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................163
Version 05 - Final
v
Gypsy and Traveller needs assessment
16.8 Survey findings................................................................................................163
16.9 Summary of need............................................................................................163
17 South Oxfordshire.....................................................................................................167
17.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................167
17.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................167
17.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................167
17.4 Local site information......................................................................................167
17.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................168
17.6 Service and needs information........................................................................168
17.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................168
17.8 Survey findings................................................................................................169
17.9 Summary of need............................................................................................169
18 Vale of White Horse..................................................................................................173
18.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................173
18.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................173
18.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................173
18.4 Local site information......................................................................................173
18.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................174
18.6 Service and needs information........................................................................174
18.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................174
18.8 Survey findings................................................................................................174
18.9 Summary of need............................................................................................175
19 West Oxfordshire......................................................................................................178
19.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................178
19.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................178
19.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................178
19.4 Local site information......................................................................................179
19.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................179
19.6 Service and needs information........................................................................179
19.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................179
19.8 Survey findings................................................................................................180
19.9 Summary of need............................................................................................180
20 Buckinghamshire.......................................................................................................184
20.1 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................184
20.2 DCLG count data.............................................................................................184
20.3 Local site information......................................................................................184
20.4 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................184
20.5 Service and needs information........................................................................185
Version 05 - Final
vi
Gypsy and Traveller needs assessment
20.6 Local sample profile........................................................................................186
20.7 Survey findings................................................................................................187
20.8 Summary of need............................................................................................187
21 Aylesbury Vale..........................................................................................................189
21.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................189
21.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................189
21.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................189
21.4 Local site information......................................................................................189
21.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................191
21.6 Service and needs information........................................................................191
21.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................191
21.8 Survey findings................................................................................................191
21.9 Summary of need............................................................................................191
22 Chiltern......................................................................................................................195
22.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................195
22.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................195
22.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................195
22.4 Local site information......................................................................................195
22.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................196
22.6 Service and needs information........................................................................196
22.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................197
22.8 Survey findings................................................................................................197
22.9 Summary of need............................................................................................197
23 South Bucks..............................................................................................................201
23.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................201
23.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................201
23.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................201
23.4 Local site information......................................................................................201
23.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................202
23.6 Service and needs information........................................................................202
23.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................202
23.8 Survey findings................................................................................................203
23.9 Summary of need............................................................................................203
24 Wycombe..................................................................................................................207
24.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................207
24.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................207
24.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................207
24.4 Local site information......................................................................................207
Version 05 - Final
vii
Gypsy and Traveller needs assessment
24.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................208
24.6 Service and needs information........................................................................208
24.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................208
24.8 Survey findings................................................................................................209
24.9 Summary of need............................................................................................209
25 Milton Keynes............................................................................................................213
25.1 Limitations of local projections........................................................................213
25.2 Stakeholders interviews..................................................................................213
25.3 DCLG count data.............................................................................................213
25.4 Local site information......................................................................................214
25.5 Unauthorised encampment data.....................................................................214
25.6 Service and needs information........................................................................214
25.7 Local sample profile........................................................................................214
25.8 Survey findings................................................................................................215
25.9 Summary of need............................................................................................215
Appendices
Appendix A – Final Version of Questionnaire..........................................................................74
Appendix B – Briefing Note....................................................................................................113
Appendix C – Local Data – Bracknell Forest.........................................................................116
Appendix D – Local Data – Reading......................................................................................122
Appendix E – Local Data – Slough........................................................................................127
Appendix F – Local Data – West Berkshire...........................................................................133
Appendix G – Local Data – Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.............................139
Appendix H – Local Data – Wokingham................................................................................145
Appendix I – Local Data – Oxfordshire..................................................................................152
Appendix J – Local Data – Cherwell......................................................................................156
Appendix K – Local Data – Oxford City.................................................................................161
Appendix L – Local Data – South Oxfordshire.......................................................................166
Appendix M – Local Data – Vale of White Horse...................................................................172
Appendix N – Local Data – West Oxfordshire.......................................................................177
Appendix O – Local Data – Buckinghamshire.......................................................................183
Appendix P – Local Data – Aylesbury Vale...........................................................................188
Appendix Q – Local Data – Chiltern.......................................................................................194
Appendix R – Local Data – South Bucks...............................................................................200
Appendix S – Local Data – Wycombe...................................................................................206
Appendix T – Local Data – Milton Keynes.............................................................................212
Version 05 - Final
viii
Gypsy and Traveller needs assessment
Executive summary
Introduction
1. The Association of Councils of the Thames Valley Region (ACTVaR) - the sub-regional Local
Government Association for Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire – commissioned
Tribal to carry out an assessment of the accommodation and support needs of Gypsies and
Travellers in the area. The study was commissioned in response to section 225 of the Housing
Act 2004 which requires all local authorities to carry out accommodation needs assessments for
Gypsies and Travellers. The aims of the study were to:
■ Gain a better understanding of the regional and local pattern of movements and
encampments
■ Inform the current understanding of accommodation and support needs as assessed by
the local housing authorities
■ Inform the development of future housing and planning policy at a district level
■ Identify and inform the possible opportunities for cross-authority working to address
Gypsy and Traveller needs
2. The study was carried out in line with the Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment:
Draft Guidance issued in February 2006 by DCLG (Department of Communities and Local
Government). The guidance was issued after the start of the study but the research approach
was reviewed in the light of the new guidance.
3. The focus of the study was to identify accommodation needs at a local and regional level but
not to develop policy recommendations arising from the research. In addition to
accommodation needs, the study considered education, health and housing related support
needs. It is intended that the findings will feed into the Local Development Framework process
and the Regional Spatial Strategy process, which will inform the South East Plan Partial Review
(Gypsies and Travellers) and the planning of site provision and services for Gypsies and
Travellers.
4. The two largest communities of Gypsies and Travellers are the English Gypsies and Irish
Travellers. Both groups have a long history of living in Britain. The two communities are
distinct, but share: a history and cultural preference for a nomadic way of life; their own
distinctive language and social identity (which is unique to each community and not shared);
and strong family bonds and desire to live in extended family groupings. The types of
accommodation used by Gypsies and Travellers fall into four broad types:
■ Authorised sites – are sites owned by local authorities, housing associations or private
individuals where Gypsies and Travellers may rent or buy a pitch on which to park their
trailer or caravan. This study included interviews with 93 households living on authorised
sites
■ Unauthorised developments – are developments that occur when Gypsies or Travellers
buy a piece of land which does not have planning permission for a dwelling and place a
chalet, trailer or caravan on it. This study included interviews with 11 households living in
unauthorised developments
■ Unauthorised encampment – is the term used to describe the parking of a caravan or
trailer on land which is not owned by the Gypsy or Traveller and which does not have
planning permission for a dwelling. This study included interviews with 26 households
living in unauthorised encampments
Version 05 - Final
a