A new report aimed at educating housing associations about pitches for Gypsies and Travellers was released by the Housing Corporation.
The Gypsies and Travellers Financial Toolkit for RSLs, commissioned by the Housing Corporation and written by the University of Birmingham's Pat Niner and Bruce Walker, outlines how registered social landlords can make a business case for providing and managing pitches for Gypsies and Travellers. It also gives examples of how some housing associations have gone about this in the past.
The toolkit has been put together following an extensive search and analysis of available literature and guidance from Government and other sources. In addition, researchers carried out in-depth face-to-face and telephone interviews.
Housing Corporation Chief Executive Steve Douglas said:
"Gypsies and Travellers are among the most disadvantaged groups in our society. With poorer health and higher infant mortality rates, they need housing associations' help every bit as much as other vulnerable groups.
"At present, very few housing associations consider providing sites for this group, with many thinking that it a role for the specialist. But that needn't - and shouldn't - be the case. Providing a place to live for people is the core business of associations and, as this toolkit shows, it is not only possible to provide and manage well-designed sites, it’s also financially viable."
The full report can be found on the Housing Corporation's website.
