Cheshire Partnership Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation and Related Services Assessment

Recent legislation and guidance from the government has indicated a commitment to taking steps to resolve some of the long standing accommodation issues for members of the Gypsy and Traveller communities.This legislation has an overarching aim of ensuring that members of the Gypsy and Traveller communities have equal access to decent and appropriate accommodation options akin to each and every other member of society. As a result, a number of Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessments (GTAAs) are now being undertaken across the UK, as local authorities respond to these new obligations and requirements.The North West Regional Assembly, on behalf of the Cheshire Chief Executives Advisory Group, commissioned this assessment of Gypsy and Traveller accommodation across the Cheshire Partnership Area in July 2006.The authorities which comprise the Cheshire Partnership are: Cheshire County Council, Halton Borough Council, Warrington Borough Council,Chester City Council, Ellesmere Port & Neston Borough Council, Vale Royal Borough Council, Crewe & Nantwich Borough Council, Macclesfield Borough Council, Congleton Borough Council and St Helens Metropolitan Borough Council. The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the Salford Housing & Urban Studies Unit at the University of Salford, assisted by staff from the Centre for Urban and Regional Studies at the University of Birmingham and AVT-interventions, with research support from members of the Gypsy and Traveller communities. The assessment was managed by a Steering Group composed of members from the Cheshire Partnership authorities.