Improving Gypsy/Traveller sites: progress summary

Executive Summary

According to the self-assessment returns, two sites – Angus and Falkirk - met the standards across the board at the time of the survey and information gathered in the review indicates that 19 out of 26 sites will meet the site standards by June 2018. However, in a number of areas where site providers have said that they meet the standard, the information from site residents does not support this.

There are six sites where the essential fabric standards are unlikely to be met by June 2018. Work is planned on some sites to address these issues but it is unlikely to be complete by the deadline. Information from residents suggests there may be issues on a further five sites.

The review has highlighted some potential issues with measuring the energy efficiency of amenity blocks, we will explore whether further guidance is required in relation to this.

At the time of the survey, six sites did not meet all of the facilities and amenities standards, there are three sites where this is unlikely to be rectified by June 2018. Information from residents suggests there may be issues on a further six sites mainly in relation to the quality of the fixtures and fittings in the amenity blocks.

Fourteen sites did not meet the safety and security standard on one or more indicator at the time of the survey. There were some fairly significant safety issues, a lack of carbon monoxide detectors, heat detectors and smoke alarms in particular. Site providers told us they had plans to address this, and should ensure that this is done as a matter of urgency.

Four sites did not meet all the indicators for the maintenance and repairs standards. The issues on one of those sites will have been addressed by June 2018. Information from residents on a further nine sites described issues relating to this standard.

Site tenants must be treated with respect and fairness by the site provider. All but one site provider reported meeting this standard but this was contradicted by residents on a number of sites. Site tenants should also be consulted with about matters that affect them. Two providers recognised that they needed to make improvements in this area and were in the process of doing so but residents on a further four sites also spoke of issues relating to this standard.

Site providers should also reflect the core rights and responsibilities published in the guidance in their occupancy agreements. Of the 17 site providers, ten reported that site residents have occupancy agreements that reflect the core rights and responsibilities set out in the guidance. Five others are in the process of drafting and consulting on new agreements and should have them in place by the June 2018 deadline. The tenants we spoke to and the completed questionnaires we received supported this with the majority of tenants confirming that they had occupancy agreements that set out their rights and responsibilities.