Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Count, July 2011

Statistics on Gypsy and Traveller caravans in Wales on both authorised and unauthorised sites are based on survey data (not a sample survey) collected by local authorities on 28 July 2011. The latest release updates the statistics previously released in March 2011.

The count is used is used to inform part of the evidence base when assessing bids from local authorities for the Gypsy and Traveller New Sites Grant and Gypsy and Traveller Refurbishment Grant. The commencement of section 225 of the Housing Act 2004 in December 2007 also requires local authorities to carry out an assessment of the accommodation needs of Gypsies and Travellers as part of the review of housing needs in their area.

The key points from the latest release are:

• There were 793 Gypsy and Traveller caravans reported in the 21 local authorities that responded to the survey in Wales on July 28 2011.
• In the 21 local authorities that responded there were 78 sites across Wales. The number of caravans ranged from 1 to 95 on each site.

Authorised sites:

• For the 18 authorities that participated in both July 2010 and July 2011 count, the number of caravans on authorised sites has decreased by 7 per cent (46 caravans) since the July 2010 count. This decrease is largely due to the reduction in caravans on socially rented sites in Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Cardiff.

Unauthorised sites:

• There were 52 caravans on unauthorised sites on land owned by Gypsies, accounting for 7 per cent of all caravans in the 21 responding authorities.
• A further 68 caravans (9 per cent of all caravans) were on unauthorised sites not owned by Gypsies.

Gypsy sites provided by local authorities:

• There were 346 pitches on Gypsy sites provided by local authorities in Wales on 28 July 2011.

Contact

Tel: 029 2082 3371
E-mail: stats.inclusion@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Next update

March 2012 (provisional - to be confirmed on the 'Due Out Soon' page)