If you are looking for somewhere to live you can apply for a pitch on a site owned by a local authority or a Registered Social Landlord (RSL).
How to apply
If you are wanting to move onto a pitch on a council site, you will need to fill out and send in an application form to your respective local authority. Usually, you will have the option to either fill it in by hand and post it or fill it in online and email it in. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities have produced a list of Traveller sites, which can be found in this spreadsheet. You can tailor your search to specific counties, which should give you an overview of the sites, both permanent and transit, that are in your area.
Waiting lists
Due to changes in the law, it is no longer a statutory duty for local authorities to provide sites. As a result, there are less sites available. This has meant that waiting lists for plots are very long. Whilst some plots might become available quickly, you can expect to be waiting from a few months to a few years, depending on your location. Generally, waiting lists tend to be longer for sites in the South of the country than in the North.
Please see our report, for a detailed analysis of site provisions within England.
Priority need
There are certain factors that put someone in higher priority. Whilst it will depend on the allocations policy of the local authority, there are reasons that someone might be in more need. For example, local connections are important and will need to be proved. This means that you have lived/worked in the area of the site for a length of time, or that you have family members living there. If you have a child in school in the area, this will also be considered. Moreover, medical conditions are a significant factor and will need to be proved with evidence from the doctor.
If you need help finding a site in or outside your area or need help applying for a site and filling in an application form, then please ring our helpline on 01273 234777. We will be able to assist in person with filling in a site application by hand, within Sussex, or on the phone, outside of Sussex.
Correct as of April 2024.
