Suffolk Cross-Boundary Gypsy and Traveller Accommodation Assessment

The study 1. 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.2. This assessment was commissioned by five authorities in Suffolk County(Mid Suffolk District Council, Babergh District Council, Suffolk Coastal District Council, Waveney District Council and Ipswich Borough Council) in June 2006. The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the Salford Housing & Urban Studies Unit at the University of Salford with research support from members of the Gypsy and Traveller communities. The study was managed by a steering group composed of officers from the commissioning authorities.3. The assessment was undertaken by conducting:• A review of available literature, data and secondary sources;• A detailed questionnaire completed by housing and planning officers;• Four focus groups with 23 key stakeholders;• An open-ended pro-forma completed by 32 Parish Councils; and• A total of 128 interviews with Gypsy and Traveller households from a range of tenures; reflecting around 63% of the ‘known’ local Gypsy and Traveller population.