Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Count, July 2012

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 19 July 2012. The latest release updates the statistics previously released in March 2012. In July 2012 all 22 local authorities responded to the survey.

The count is used to inform 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 895 Gypsy and Traveller caravans in Wales on 19 July 2012.
• There were 91 sites across Wales. The number of caravans ranged from 1 to 111 on each site.

Authorised sites:

• For the 21 authorities that participated in both July 2011 and July 2012 count, the number of caravans on authorised sites has increased by 5 per cent (37 caravans) since the July 2011 count. This increase is largely due to the increase in caravans on local authority sites in Cardiff and Pembrokeshire.

Unauthorised sites:

• There were 44 caravans on unauthorised sites on land owned by Gypsies and Travellers, accounting for 5 per cent of all caravans.
• A further 141 caravans (16 per cent of all caravans) were on unauthorised sites not owned by Gypsies.

Gypsy sites provided by local authorities:

• There were 389 pitches on Gypsy and Traveller sites provided by local authorities in Wales on 19 July 2012.

Contact

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

Next update

March 2013 (provisional - to be confirmed on the 'Due Out Soon' page)