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Financial Toolkit for RSLs in Managing Gypsy and Traveller Sites

This toolkit provides background information and guidance for Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in making decisions about involvement in Gypsy and Traveller sites. It focuses on financial issues but also covers wider context. Launching in June 2008.

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Financial Toolkit for RSLs in Managing Gypsy and Traveller Sites

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  1. PROVISION BY REGISTERED SOCIAL LANDLORDS Pat Niner Centre for Urban and Regional Studies

  2. A financial toolkit for RSLs • Background is mobilising resources to develop/manage Gypsy and Travellers sites • Aim is to provide background information for RSLs to help them in decisions over involvement • Emphasis is on financial issues, but in a wider context • Launch due early June 2008

  3. Methods • Desk-based study • Assembled relevant written information and guidance • Telephone interviews with: • RSLs not yet involved in running sites • RSLs managing sites or providing services to Gypsies and Travellers • LAs which manage/improve sites • Contacts with Housing Corporation + CLG

  4. Toolkit structure • Three main sections: • Background (Gypsies and Travellers, sites, policy context, RSL involvement) • New site development and refurbishment (site design and planning, Grant, likely costs) • Running Gypsy and Traveller sites (tenure, sources of income, management costs)

  5. Presentation plan • By definition the Toolkit is factual, assembling information and making links to greater detail • Want to give the main ‘messages’ from each section • But first, the cases for RSL involvement

  6. The business case for RSL involvement • 100% Grant available for site development • Opportunity to build links with LAs – other potential spin-offs • New challenges for staff, innovation, community development opportunities • Evidence of a serious approach to Diversity issues • A focus for inter-agency working with potential spin-offs

  7. The legal case for involvement • Less clear for RSLs than for LAs • Responsibility under Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 to consider how services can be accessed by Gypsies and Travellers • Especially important for RSLs operating in areas with high Gypsy and Traveller populations/needs

  8. The moral case for RSL involvement • Particularly strong case • Gypsies and Travellers are one of the most socially excluded population groups • Big need for culturally appropriate accommodation to provide a base from which to access other services and build social inclusion • Potential for a major contribution to increased quality of life

  9. Background information • Found lack of knowledge about Gypsies and Travellers and sites + some misinformation/ myths among RSLs not currently involved • Main messages: • there are many more similarities between Gypsies and Travellers and the settled community than differences • most Gypsies and Travellers are not constantly travelling • most sites are another, specialised form of ‘housing’, not transit camps

  10. Developing/refurbishing sites • Gypsy and Traveller Sites Grant is obviously critical in financial viability – should take the strain • Most planning, cost control, construction management, grant application processes are similar to those RSLs face in any development – apply same procedures and assessments • Good site design is essential – CLG guidance – impacts on running costs

  11. Developing/refurbishing sites • Consultation with Gypsies and Travellers essential to ensure the right sites are developed in the right places • Commitment to the project – internal to the RSL to deal with any adverse publicity + evidenced support from the LA to facilitate planning, Grant application etc • There may be issues to be dealt with – but not significantly greater than for other activities

  12. Managing sites • Gypsy and Traveller site residents pay pitch fees and service charges and can get Housing Benefit on eligible charges • Income from these sources can cover management and maintenance costs on a well run site • Good site management is key to success – see CLG Good Practice Guide when issued

  13. Managing sites • On a well run site, loss of income from pitch turnover and arrears should not be higher than in other forms of housing • There will be some initial learning costs – eg Mobile Homes Act 1983 agreements, consultation approaches with Gypsies and Travellers • Also important to be clear about arrangements for water and electricity supply and charging

  14. Managing sites • Probably more issues attached to taking over management of an existing site than building new • Toolkit lists a number of questions for RSLs to ask LAs prior to taking over a site

  15. Overall message • While the area of activity may be new, there is nothing in developing or running Gypsy and Traveller sites which is, in principle, unique for RSLs • Involvement is not to be taken lightly – prior research, skills recruitment, building up local networks, being committed – as for any new venture • Remember perceived difficulties and risks can be exaggerated and there is potential for great personal and organisational reward

  16. Final thought I made a mistake at the start. I listened to what people say about Gypsies and Travellers. It’s just not true. I don’t have any problems at all.

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